Ofrivillig ensamhet : Det dolda hotet mot hälsan och välbefinnandet

Sammanfattning: Background: Loneliness among elderly is a public health concern in today’s society world-wide. Loneliness affects the body both mentally and physically and is often associated with mental disorder and depression, even though that may not be the real problem. Loneliness affects the elderly with severe suffering that leads to a decreased joy of life. Suicidal thoughts are common. It is important to identify loneliness in an early stage. The knowledge about loneliness is low among nurses. Increased knowledge about loneliness contributes to improved care and prevention of loneliness among the elderly. Aim: The aim of this study was to examine the experience of loneliness among elderly. Method: A literature-based study based on qualitative research. Eleven articles were included through systematically research in CINAHL and PsycInfo. Inclusion criteria for selected articles were elderly over 65 years, based on English language and published 2014 – 2023. Friberg´s five step model was used to analyze the articles. Results: The study found that elderly people experienced loneliness in feelings through lack of purpose and meaningfulness in life. The aging body limited the elderly in their daily life and led to the feeling of loneliness. Closeness to spouse, friends or family were important for not experiencing loneliness. Establishing new routines, finding acceptance, being active and having the freedom to choose whether being alone or not, were all coping strategies against experienc-ing loneliness. Conclusion: Lack of context, aging body and lack of social network were all considered as contributing factors in feelings of loneliness among elderly people.