Viudedad,soledad y salud en la vejez

Introduction

Elderly people are one of the most vulnerable groups in the population as regards loneliness, especially among those living alone. This paper aims to assess the impact of the feeling of loneliness on the elderly, taking into account that the loss of a spouse is the main reason that triggers this feeling.

Material and methods

Findings are presented from a qualitative study conducted in Spain. Data were gathered using a focus group approach (8 focus groups, differentiated by gender and place of residence). The data were analysed from a Grounded Theory perspective.

Results

Elderly people describe how they experience the feeling of loneliness after becoming widowed. The loss of the spouse brings an emotional vacuum that is impossible to be filled, especially at night. After long-lasting marriages, these older people are confronted with loneliness, both in the home and internally, which very often triggers depressive disorders. As regards health, 2 types of feelings were observed. On the one hand, there is helplessness for fear of accidents or unexpected illnesses when alone at home. On the other hand, they feel uncertainty about the future, as they wonder who will look after them in case of need. Both feelings contribute to activate loneliness.

Conclusions

Our findings add to the available knowledge about the close relationship between loneliness, widowhood, and health in old age, and provide qualitative knowledge to supplement what we already know about that relationship through surveys and other quantitative techniques used in social research.