Social Networking and Perceived Loneliness Among Elderly Attending the Outpatient Department: A Cross-Sectional Study

Objectives To assess social networking and perceived loneliness among elderly individuals attending outpatient departments and to examine the relationship between social networking, perceived loneliness, and selected demographic variables. Material and Methods A quantitative descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 99 elderly individuals aged ≥65 years attending outpatient departments of a tertiary care hospital in Mangaluru, Karnataka. Participants were selected using non-probability purposive sampling. Data were collected using a demographic proforma, the Lubben Social Network Scale-12, and the Revised UCLA Loneliness Scale. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, Pearson’s correlation coefficient, and Chi-square tests with a significance level set at p < 0.05. Results Most participants were aged 65–70 years (66.7%), male (57.6%), married (97%), and belonged to nuclear families (86.9%). The majority demonstrated higher social engagement (84.8%). Moderate loneliness was observed in 68.7% of participants. There was no statistically significant correlation between social networking and perceived loneliness (r = −0.040, p = 0.693). No significant association was found between social networking or perceived loneliness and selected demographic variables ( p >0.05). Conclusion Although most elderly participants demonstrated adequate social networking, a considerable proportion experienced moderate loneliness. The absence of a significant correlation indicates that perceived loneliness is influenced by factors beyond the size of social networks. Routine screening for loneliness and psychosocial support interventions should be integrated into geriatric outpatient services.