Perception of one’s social environment and loneliness: results of the nationally representative “Old age in Germany (D80+)” study

To examine the association between perception of one’s social environment (in terms of residential attachment and neighborhood trust) and loneliness among the oldest old and whether these associations differ by living arrangement.

We used data from the nationally representative “Old Age in Germany (D80+)” study that included individuals residing in private households and institutionalized settings. The analytic sample was 9,621 individuals (average age: 85.5 years, SD: 4.1 years; 62% female). Data collection took place from November 2020 to April 2021. Multiple linear regressions were conducted with adjustment for relevant covariates.

Higher residential attachment (β=-0.02, p < .05) and higher neighborhood trust (β=-0.12, p < .001) were associated with less loneliness. The latter association was moderated by living arrangement (β=-0.09, p = .04) such that the association between neighborhood trust and loneliness was stronger among individuals living in institutionalized settings compared to individuals in private households.

Greater residential attachment and neighborhood trust, particularly among individuals living in institutionalized settings, are associated with less loneliness among the oldest old. Finding ways to improve perceived attachment and trust may assist in avoiding loneliness among older individuals.