The effect of loneliness and change in loneliness on self-rated health (SRH): A longitudinal study among aging people

The association between adverse health and loneliness among aging people is known, but most of the studies are cross-sectional. In addition, the associations between changes in loneliness with health are less well known, especially in the case of aging people. The present study examined whether absence of loneliness in 2005 predicted subsequent good SRH in 2008, and whether changes in loneliness were associated with SRH in 2008. Longitudinal, questionnaire-based data were collected from three age cohorts (born in 1926–30, 1936–40, and 1946–50) living in southern Finland. Baseline data was collected in 2002 (n = 2815, 66%); the follow-ups were done in 2005 (n = 2476, 60%) and 2008 (n = 2064, 73%). Logistic regression analyses were used to derive the results. Never or seldom experiencing loneliness was a strong predictor for good SRH. In addition, good health was common among those who never felt lonely. Among men the group experiencing decreasing loneliness had the highest OR of good health. Thus, loneliness is a significant contributor to poor SRH among aging people. In addition, favorable SRH is indicated not only by the absence of loneliness at both measurement points, but also by decreased loneliness. Preventing loneliness is important for health promotion.