How Loneliness Occurs Among the Aging Population: The Effects of Interpersonal Communication and the Use and Understanding of Technology

The number of aging people compared to younger individuals is constantly rising and has created a need to identify how loneliness occurs and the factors that contribute to said loneliness among the aging population. This study used participant observation to understand how loneliness occurs among the geriatric population at the Brookfield Senior Center in Brookfield, Connecticut. Factors, such as nonverbal, oral, and support seeking interpersonal communication as well as the use and understanding of technology were examined. N = 414 (85 men, 329 women) people participated in programs at the Brookfield Senior Center and their interactions with each other and their environment were observed. Findings included limited knowledge and understanding of modern technology, such as smartphones, and limited use of technology during participants' time at the Brookfield Senior Center. Additionally, independent activities, such as reading or solving a puzzle, presented more nonverbal cues and explained how loneliness occurs.

This qualitative research study was approved by the Western Connecticut State University IRB committee on December 3, 2018, and was classified as exempt.