Exploring the Influence of Loneliness on Well-Being in Older Couples: Dyadic and Longitudinal Perspectives

Living together involves partner interdependence, a phenomenon increasingly studied in social sciences. Later life well-being determinants lack common dyadic analysis. This study examines loneliness’s influence on well-being among older couples using a dyadic, longitudinal approach. Loneliness significantly impacts older adults’ subjective well-being (SWB). Although partnerships generally protect against loneliness, it remains a concern. Using the Actor-Partner Interdependence Model and Dyadic Response Surface Analysis, this study explores loneliness’s impact on SWB over time among older European couples. Data from the “Survey of Health, Aging, and Retirement” on 7,068 couples aged 65+ are analyzed. Findings reveal an increase in SWB over time for both men and women. Loneliness predicted lower initial SWB and steeper declines, affecting both partners. High SWB interdependence and moderate loneliness interdependence among couples were observed. Similarity in loneliness benefited SWB, while dissimilarity was harmful. Gender differences showed a more beneficial pattern for women when men’s loneliness increased faster.