The Influence of Depression, and Family and Friendship Relations, on Residents' Loneliness in Congregate Housing

We examined the impact of various social relationships on levels of loneliness reported by 208 elderly residents of 10 senior housing apartments. Because the literature demonstrates a clear relationship between depression and loneliness, this study controlled for depression to provide a more concise look at the condition of loneliness. Those who were less satisfied with the quality of their relationships and had less contact with close friends were more lonely. Whether one had children, grandchildren, siblings, or neighbors had no significant effect on reported loneliness.