Objectives/Goals: The purpose of this study is to explore and understand the experience of loneliness in adults over 65 years of age with chronic illnesses residing in public and private community dwellings in Puerto Rico. Methods/Study Population: The Phenomenological qualitative approach aims to deepen participants’ understanding of how they define loneliness, the associated risk factors, the strategies they use to cope with it, and its perceived effectiveness. The project has three phases: the first phase involves obtaining informed consent, the second phase consists of the interview, and the third phase concludes the interview with a reminder that a follow-up meeting will be held to validate the information collected. This study will use a convenience sampling method to recruit 20 participants aged 65 years or older with chronic illnesses residing in public (10 participants) and private (10 participants) community dwellings in Puerto Rico. Results/Anticipated Results: This study is needed to better understand how older adults with chronic illnesses experience loneliness, what factors influence their perception, and what strategies they use to cope with it. Discussion/Significance of Impact: The findings may inform community interventions and public policies aimed at improving the quality of life for this population.
Roman et al. (2026) studied this question.