The relationship between loneliness, psychological resilience and depression in community based older people in Hong Kong: A cross‐sectional survey design study

Objective Globally, loneliness in older people has become a public health concern. This study aimed to examine the relationship between loneliness, psychological resilience and depression in older adults in Hong Kong. Methods This cross‐sectional survey design study was conducted using a convenience sampling approach. Older people were recruited to complete three validated questionnaires: the DeJong Gierveld Loneliness Scale (DJLS), the Connor Davidson (CD RISC 10) Resilience Scale and the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS). Results The survey was completed by 210 older people who were attending a social care centre. Older people who said they were lonely scored significantly lower ( p < .001) on the CD RISC 10 (mean 31.7, SD 7.50) than those who said they were not (mean 36.5, SD 6.9). Conversely, participants who said they were lonely scored significantly higher ( p < .001) on the GDS (mean 7.3, SD 3.3) than those who said they were not (mean 2.6, SD 2.9) and on the DJLS (mean 3.7 SD, 1.4 vs. mean 2.01, SD 1.5; p < .001). Scores for resilience correlated negatively with those for depression and loneliness. There was no correlation between any of the scales and the age of the respondents. Conclusion The findings of this study highlight the important role resilience may play in relation to loneliness and depression in older people. Development of culturally specific resilience‐building interventions may provide one approach to enhance psychological well‐being, including the experience of loneliness in older people.