Escalating loneliness among Chinese American older adults in an affordable housing community: a repeat cross-sectional study (2012-2025).

BACKGROUND AND

OBJECTIVES

Loneliness is a significant public health problem, particularly among older immigrant adults. The study investigates the temporality of changes in loneliness among Chinese American older adults living in affordable housing and factors influencing these changes within the context of broader societal transformations.

RESEARCH AND

METHODS

Using a repeated cross-sectional design, two independent cohorts of Chinese American older adults in the same affordable housing complex were surveyed in 2012 (N = 120) and in 2025 (N = 118). The analyses were conducted in three phases: descriptive statistics summarized the sample characteristics; the Oaxaca-Blinder decomposition assessed whether loneliness scores varied between cohorts and examined the observed differences into explained and unexplained components; and ad hoc multivariate regression analysis examined the erosion of social support as the main factor driving the temporal change of loneliness.

RESULTS

The Blinder-Oaxaca decomposition revealed a significant rise in loneliness from 2012 (M = 3.99) to 2025 (M = 5.18; p = .002). Reductions in social support (β = -0.52; p = .020) and fewer children (β = -0.64; p = .029) were the strongest contributors to this rise. Ad hoc analyses suggested that less physical contact with children and trouble using mobile devices correlated with declining social support across cohorts.

DISCUSSION AND IMPLICATIONS: Findings indicate a dramatic increase in loneliness among Chinese American older adults in affordable housing over time. The results highlight the imperative to enhance alternative sources of connection and culturally tailored interventions for supporting social engagement. Promoting peer relationships, digital inclusion, and flexible intergenerational support may help reduce increasing loneliness and enhance well-being in later life.