Residential satisfaction, sense of belonging and loneliness among older adults living in the community and in care facilities

The aim of this study was to analyze the influence of residential satisfaction and sense of belonging on loneliness in old age in two different contexts: the community and the residential care facility. We used two surveys of 1106 non-institutionalized and 234 institutionalized older adults, aged 60 years or more in Spain. Results from structural equation modeling and path analysis suggest that residential satisfaction would positively affect sense of belonging and would be negatively associated with loneliness in both residential environments, thus playing a protective role against the experience of loneliness.

► We analyzed the relationship between residential satisfaction and loneliness in old age.
► Residential satisfaction was negatively associated with loneliness.
► Sense of belonging acted as a mediating factor in this relationship.
► Residential satisfaction and sense of belonging appeared to provide protection against loneliness.
► These results were found in two different residential contexts: the home and the care facility.