The lived experiences of loneliness of older adults with chronic conditions aging at home: A qualitative systematic review and meta-aggregation

Abstract

Objective: To synthesize the best available evidence in exploring the experiences and perceptions of loneliness among older adults with chronic conditions aging at home.

Methods: Web of Science, PubMed, Embase, CINAHL and other databases were searched, and qualitative research on the loneliness experience of older adults with chronic conditions aging at home was collected. The included studies were appraised independently by two reviewers using The JBI Critical Appraisal Checklist for Qualitative Research.

Results: 6 studies were included and 4 themes were summarized, including: (a) negative emotions and unmet social needs of loneliness, (b) self-perceived influences of chronic conditions on loneliness, (c) self-strategy to deal with loneliness, and (d) social support to alleviate loneliness.

Conclusion: Older adults aging at home were suffering from negative emotions and unmet social needs of loneliness, which were influenced by their chronic conditions, and they adopted self-strategies and social supports to cope with their loneliness.

Keywords: Aging at home; Chronic conditions; Loneliness; Meta-aggregation; Older adults.