Profile of ethnicity,living arrangements and loneliness amongst older adults in Aotearoa New Zealand: A national cross‐sectional study |
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| Authors: | Hamish A Jamieson Helen M Gibson Rebecca Abey‐Nesbit Annabel Ahuriri‐Driscoll Sally Keeling Philip J Schluter |
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| Affiliation: | 1. Department of Medicine, University of Otago, Christchurch, New Zealand;2. University of Otago, Christchurch, New Zealand;3. School of Health Sciences, University of Canterbury, Christchurch, New Zealand;4. School of Nursing, Midwifery and Social Work, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia |
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| Abstract: | Objective To explore the patterns of living arrangements, ethnicity and loneliness amongst older adults (aged 65+ years) living at home. Methods National interRAI‐HC (International Residential Assessment Instrument‐Home Care) assessments conducted between 1 September 2012 and 31 January 2016 were analysed. Analysis focused on the associations between loneliness and both ethnic groups and living arrangements. Results There were 71 859 eligible participants, with average age 82.7 years, comprising Māori (5%), Pasifika (3%), Asian (2%) and European/Other (89%) ethnic identification. Most stated that they were not lonely (79%), but those living alone were more likely to be lonely (29%) than those living with others (14%) (P < 0.05). Amongst those living alone, significant differences in the likelihood of being lonely emerged between ethnic groups (P < 0.05). Conclusions Ethnic identification and living arrangements were significantly associated with the likelihood of loneliness for those having an interRAI‐HC assessment. Efforts to reduce the negative impacts of loneliness need a nuanced approach. |
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| Keywords: | ethnicity living arrangements loneliness Mā ori older adult |
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