Vol. 12, Special Issue 11 (2023)

Author(s):
Dr. Priyanka Beniwal and Dr. CK Singh

Abstract:
Loneliness is an aspect of the human experience that affects people of all ages, but the elderly are more sensitive. Loss of family and friends, poor health, decreased mobility and income, as well as societal trends such as greater geographical mobility, reduced intergenerational living, and less cohesive communities, all contribute to older people becoming more socially isolated, potentially leading to increased loneliness. The present study was conducted with the aim to find the level of loneliness across gender, marital status and age. The study was conducted in Hisar and Sirsa districts of Haryana state. The study was conducted on 400 elderly comprising of 65-70 years old. A sample of 200 elderly persons was picked at random from each district, with 100 with spouses and 100 without spouses. The sample included an equal number of men and women. Self-developed questioner was used to collect information on personal and socioeconomic variables. UCLA Loneliness Scale developed by Russell (1996) ^[24] was used to measure loneliness among senior citizen. Results of the study elucidated that female senior citizen had higher level of loneliness as compared to male senior citizens. Without spouse respondents had higher level of loneliness as compared to with spouse respondents. The level of loneliness aggravated with the advancement of age.