Abstract
Unwanted loneliness has become a critical social and public health issue in contemporary societies, particularly impacting older adults. This study explores how institutional living affects the experience of loneliness among elderly residents in public care facilities, considering loneliness as a key aspect of emotional well-being. Based on qualitative research involving in-depth interviews with 34 older adults living in three public residential centers in the province of Seville, the analysis focused on emotional ties, life trajectories, identity, health, and the institutional environment. The findings reveal that the residential care model plays a significant role in shaping emotional experiences, with loneliness being strongly associated with the loss of meaningful relationships, functional decline, detachment from familiar surroundings, and challenges in building a sense of belonging within institutional settings. The results highlight tess, he need to move toward person-centered models of care, emphasizing the importance of nurturing social bonds, recognizing individual identities, and tailoring care to promote a more humane and emotionally sustainable aging process.
Details
Presentation Type
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Theme
Social and Cultural Perspectives on Aging
KEYWORDS
Loneliness, Elderly people, Nursing homes, Emotional well-being
