| This descriptive, exploratory investigation identified individuals' perceptions of loneliness; strategies which less-lonely, community-dwelling older adults used to prevent the development of loneliness as a significant problem; strategies they described as effective and/or ineffective, and strategies they perceived as most effective to prevent the development of loneliness. Both interactionist and existential perspectives of loneliness theory were used to guide the research.; The study included a convenience sample of 15 community-dwelling elderly individuals, 65 years and older, who score 34 or below on the UCLA Loneliness Scale (Version 3), and who attend a community senior's centre. Data collection included an audiotaped semi-structured interview, a demographic profile and completion of the UCLA Loneliness Scale (Version 3). Descriptive statistics were used to describe the demographic characteristics of the participants. The audiotaped interviews were transcribed verbatim and analyzed using content analysis methods.; The most frequently expressed categories of the perception of loneliness were interpersonal isolation, absence of intimacy; interpersonal isolation, perceived social alienation, disconnected; agony, emotional upheaval, pain; and personal choice.; The most frequently expressed strategies to prevent loneliness development were solitary involvement, leisure and extracurricular activities; reaching out building social bridges, social actions and interactions, building a social support network, and indirect social contact. The three most effective strategies reported by participants were reaching out building social bridges, social actions and interactions; solitary involvement, leisure and extra curricular activities; and reaching out building social bridges, indirect social contact. Avoidance and self-induced isolation and addictive behavior were viewed as the most unhelpful strategies to prevent loneliness.; Intervention studies to determine the effectiveness of prevention strategies is needed to inform nursing practice.; Future comparative studies using larger, more homogenous samples, from different geographical locations, and diverse cultural backgrounds are recommended. |
