Abstract
Nowadays, many older adults are living in one-person households. This is positive in that it guarantees autonomy, but negative for social isolation and loneliness.
The central research question is which factors enable older adults living alone to alleviate loneliness? The data for this study were drawn from the Generations and Gender Surveys. Women and men aged 60 years and over were selected from two countries.
Results showed that more than 50% of people in this age group in each country is moderately or severely lonely. Support provided to (grand)children and the availability of confidants are important elements of an overall package of loneliness-alleviating interactions for older adults.