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. 2024 Jun 28:5:1410058.
doi: 10.3389/fgwh.2024.1410058. eCollection 2024.

Loneliness and social isolation: exploring the experiences of older women during the pandemic in terms of social connection, feeling of loneliness, and the impact on mental health and wellbeing

Nasrullah Bhat  1 , Fayaz Ahmad Paul  2 , Aamir Gul  3 , Zahoor Ahmad Ganie  4
Affiliations

Loneliness and social isolation: exploring the experiences of older women during the pandemic in terms of social connection, feeling of loneliness, and the impact on mental health and wellbeing

Nasrullah Bhat et al. Front Glob Womens Health. .

Abstract

Objectives: To investigate the unique challenges faced by older women during the COVID-19 pandemic regarding social connection, feelings of loneliness, and their subsequent impact on mental health and well-being.

Method: A qualitative research methodology is used to examine how older women experienced loneliness, social relationships, and mental health consequences during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Results: The results are discussed in terms of two main themes each with their sub-themes; 1. Social Connection amidst Physical Distancing Measures, 2. Impact on Mental Health and Well-being.

Conclusion: The study highlights the significant impact of loneliness and social isolation on the mental health of older women during the COVID-19 pandemic, emphasizing the need for targeted interventions and support systems.

Keywords: COVID-19 pandemic; loneliness; mental health; older women; social connection; social isolation.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest.

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