What does this research mean for the field?

Social participation, routines, and hope are essential for protecting against loneliness and supporting emotional balance among older adults in rural areas, with caregiving and participation being significantly shaped by gendered patterns. Novelty: ClaimNovelty.INCREMENTAL. Consensus alignment: ConsensusAlignment.NEUTRAL.

What question did this study set out to answer?

To examine how older adults in rural environments practice self-care in relation to loneliness and how these experiences influence narrative identity and emotional well-being.

September 14, 2026Journal of Gerontological Social Work

Aging in Rural Areas and the Meanings of Self-Care in the Narrative Identity of Loneliness: A Regional Case in Spain

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Authors

EGE. Gallén-GranellUniversitat de València RAR. AgostUniversitat Jaume I CMC. Monfort-EscrigUniversitat Jaume I

Discussion

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Implication

Qualitative study uncovers how self-care and social participation mitigate loneliness in older rural residents, highlighting the protective role of routines and community ties.

Key Points

To examine how older adults in rural environments practice self-care in relation to loneliness and how these experiences influence narrative identity and emotional well-being.
Conducted a qualitative investigation comprising two focus groups with older adults (N=10) and individual interviews with caregivers (N=5) in Castellón, Spain.
Analyzed qualitative data through thematic analysis guided by a biopsychosocial framework.
Social participation actively reinforced emotional balance and personal identity while serving as a buffer against loneliness.
Sustained daily routines, community ties, and a sense of hope functioned as essential coping mechanisms.
Distinct gendered patterns influenced caregiving obligations and participants' ability to engage in community life.

Cite This Study

Gallén-Granell et al. (2026) studied this question.

synapsesocial.com/papers/6aa7b2e10926e14a848b16e8 https://doi.org/10.1080/01634372.2026.2732216

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September 14, 2026Journal of Gerontological Social Work

Aging in Rural Areas and the Meanings of Self-Care in the Narrative Identity of Loneliness: A Regional Case in Spain

View Full Paper

Ask AI

Bookmark

Authors

EGE. Gallén-GranellUniversitat de València RAR. AgostUniversitat Jaume I CMC. Monfort-EscrigUniversitat Jaume I

Discussion

Member takes

Implication

Qualitative study uncovers how self-care and social participation mitigate loneliness in older rural residents, highlighting the protective role of routines and community ties.

Key Points

To examine how older adults in rural environments practice self-care in relation to loneliness and how these experiences influence narrative identity and emotional well-being.
Conducted a qualitative investigation comprising two focus groups with older adults (N=10) and individual interviews with caregivers (N=5) in Castellón, Spain.
Analyzed qualitative data through thematic analysis guided by a biopsychosocial framework.
Social participation actively reinforced emotional balance and personal identity while serving as a buffer against loneliness.
Sustained daily routines, community ties, and a sense of hope functioned as essential coping mechanisms.
Distinct gendered patterns influenced caregiving obligations and participants' ability to engage in community life.

Cite This Study

Gallén-Granell et al. (2026) studied this question.

synapsesocial.com/papers/6aa7b2e10926e14a848b16e8 https://doi.org/10.1080/01634372.2026.2732216

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