COVID-19 Imposed Closure of Rural Co-Housing and Loneliness in Older Adults Living Alone: Longitudinal Evidence From South Korea

Abstract

This study aimed to examine the impact of COVID-19 on loneliness among rural older women in senior cohousing in Korea. Using a natural experimental study design, we investigated how the pandemic-induced closure of cohousing affected the former residents' loneliness. The sample comprised 84 cohousing residents and 51 individuals in conventional homes. The dependent variable is loneliness, and the independent variables include housing transition, social contact, and support from neighbors and friends. Our findings from fixed effect regression models showed former cohousing residents were less likely to experience loneliness when they had more contact with their friends and neighbors, while negative relationships exacerbated feelings of loneliness. Sharing meals and participating in activities with friends and neighbors in cohousing helped the residents develop effective coping strategies. Senior cohousing in rural areas has the potential to strengthen social ties and protect the most vulnerable subgroup of older adults from social isolation and loneliness.

Keywords: COVID-19; living alone; loneliness; rural area; senior cohousing.