Factors underlying public attitudes towards loneliness among elderly people with chronic illnesses

Abstract

The objectives of the study were to examine public attitudes towards the joint incidence of loneliness, old age, and chronic illness and to identify possible influences on stigmatising attitudes towards lonely elderly individuals with chronic illnesses sometimes held by members of the general public. A survey questionnaire methodology was applied involving 604 responses to a questionnaire that queried, among other things, a participant's levels of ableism, ageism, individualism, empathetic disposition, and religiosity. The demographic profile of the sample members matched that of the UK as a whole in terms of key demographics. Findings from the study indicated that ableism, empathy, ageism, and individualism had significant effects on attitudes, as did certain demographic factors (gender, age, and educational background). Religiosity was not significant. Outcomes to the study have implications for the design and execution of anti-stigma campaigns intended to improve public attitudes towards lonely elderly people with chronic illnesses. • Examines public attitudes towards the joint incidence of loneliness, old age, and chronic illness. • The number of elderly people with chronic illnesses is rising throughout the world. • The results offer guidance for the design of national governmental and charity anti-stigma campaigns.

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