Becoming immune to loneliness helping the elderly fill a void

Abstract

1. The extent to which one is able to fulfill needs and escape loneliness in later life depends on available relationships and one's creative interactions with others. 2. Persons immune to loneliness have characteristics that permit growth and constructive behaviors when faced with a loss or change. 3. Loneliness in old age occurs because interactions and communications from others are ignored and are not accepted by others. 4. Knowledge of an individual's level of creative potential is relevant for nurses planning interventions for mobilizing a support system for the lonely elderly.