Faculty Publications

Perceptions Of Living Alone Among Older Adult Women

Document Type

Article

Journal/Book/Conference Title

Journal of Community Health Nursing

Volume

25

Issue

3

First Page

125

Last Page

137

Abstract

This exploratory study examines older women's perceptions of living alone. Older adult women (N = 53) living alone were interviewed. Findings show tremendous variability in the perceptions of this sample. Whereas some women showed significant levels of loneliness and depression, many did not. Thirteen percent of the participants (n = 7) negatively perceived living alone, 49.1% (n = 26) neutrally perceived living alone, and 37.7% (n = 20) positively perceived living alone. Participants' most enjoyed aspects of living alone were being one's own boss/being independent (51%) and keeping one's own schedule (49%). Common responses for least enjoyable aspects of living alone were lack of companionship (62%), no one to help with housework (36%), and fear of falling or getting hurt (30%). Nurses should be aware that although some have perceived older adult women living alone as a vulnerable population, one cannot make assumptions based on living arrangements. Copyright © Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.

Original Publication Date

7-1-2008

DOI of published version

10.1080/07370010802221685

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