Social Relationships, Emotional Closeness, and Loneliness Among Older Meal Program Participants

This study examines the social interactions older persons have with their children, spouses, and/or friends, the perceived emotional closesness present in these social relationships and the extent to which these relationships influence feelings of loneliness. Data from the participants were analyzed using ANOVA. Findings reveal that those who were married with no children or friends experienced the greatest loneliness, and that the emotional closeness experienced within social relationships may not be as important in understanding loneliness as is the simple existence of these relationships.