Recently, Milynn Koene and Tineke Fokkema were interviewed by Welzijn op Recept about their research on the underreporting of loneliness among older adults. Theo van Tilburg (VU Amsterdam) and Nina Conkova (Leyden Academy on Vitality and Ageing) were also involved in this study.
In the article, the authors explain that not everyone finds it equally easy to admit to feeling lonely, due to stereotypes and social expectations about who is “supposed” to feel lonely. For example, men, people in good health and people with a partner are less likely to admit to feeling lonely than women, people in poor health and people without a partner, even when they experience the same level of loneliness. Migrants are also less likely than non-migrants to admit to feeling lonely, but only when they experience high levels of loneliness.
The authors emphasize the importance of challenging stereotypes and social expectations surrounding loneliness. They also argue that professionals and volunteers involved in tackling loneliness should be aware of the stereotypes and social expectations that may prevent people from acknowledging their loneliness.
The full article can be read via the following link: https://welzijnoprecept.nl/eenzaamheid-is-geen-schande/