Can Satisfaction With Communication Alleviate Loneliness? A Cross-Sectional Online Survey Among Middle-Aged and Older Adults in Japan.

BACKGROUND

Loneliness in old age is linked to various negative outcomes, including poor subjective health, depression and cognitive decline, including dementia onset, and its prevention is crucial. This study examines the communication factors associated with loneliness by focusing on the relationship between communication partners, communication methods, and the qualitative and quantitative aspects of communication among middle-aged and older adults.

METHODS

An online survey of 560 participants (376 men, 184 women; mean age = 68.4 ± 10.7 years) was conducted in November 2022. It assessed the frequency of, and satisfaction with communication across various relationships, including spouses, friends and family members. Loneliness served as the dependent variable, whereas social support and social networks were included as covariates.

RESULTS

Multiple regression analysis revealed that satisfaction with communication with a son or daughter (β = -0.10, p = 0.009), son- or daughter-in-law (β = -0.11, p = 0.030), friends (β = -0.18, p < 0.001), parents (β = -0.13, p = 0.037) and other relationships (β = -0.23, p = 0.001) was associated with loneliness.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings highlight the importance of qualitative aspects of communication, particularly satisfaction within relationships, in mitigating loneliness among older populations.