Loneliness and spirituality among elderly residing at a residential care home in karakulam panchayat: A mixed method study

Abstract

ABSTRACT

Background

Social isolation can have a major impact on seniors' lives. Emotional distress because of loneliness, depression, and

poor physical and mental health is associated with social isolation. People can become socially isolated for a variety

of reasons, such as getting older or weaker, no longer being the hub of their family, leaving the workplace, the

deaths of spouses and friends, or through disability or illness. Spirituality can help older people find solace and peace

of mind, especially if they are feeling lonely or isolated.

Objective

The present study was conducted to assess the loneliness and spirituality of inhabitants of a residential care home,

and to determine the factors affecting loneliness in-depth interviews.

Materials and Methods

A cross-sectional mixed-method study was conducted after taking consent from the study population. A pre

designed questionnaire was used for data collection. Data was analyzed using SPSS software, and the results were

reported as percentages.

Study Setting

Karakulam Panchayat of Thiruvananthapuram District

Participants

Residents aged 65 and older residing at Bethel gram, residential care home Vazhayila, Thiruvananthapuram.

Result

This study shows that 11 out of 40 residents in a residential care home experience loneliness, and 25 out of 40

residents are spiritual. More than a quarter of the residents experienced significant feelings of loneliness, and more

than half of the residents are spiritual.

Conclusion

By estimating the prevalence of loneliness and assessing spirituality among the elderly residents of a residential

care home, you can gain important insight into their emotional and psychological well-being. The study provides

insight into the spiritual health of the residents, highlighting their sense of meaning, purpose, and connection to

spirituality. Loneliness can have a negative effect on mental and physical health, so identifying and addressing the

feeling in the community may be essential for improving residents’ quality of life.