International Journal of Geriatric Nursing
Geriatric Loneliness: An Unexpected Grief
Abstract
Geriatric loneliness is a psychological term used to signify the psychological symptoms that arise when the youngest child leaves family for work or further studies causing a large empty space in the family leaving the aged parents behind termed as the empty nest. Many psychological theories explain about the loneliness and multiple viewpoints exist regarding the phenomenon. The human psychology and better understanding of menopausal phase and the hormonal changes that ensue have resulted in us having a greater insight into this phenomenon. Life partner relationship, family member relationship as well as the parent child relationship plays a magical role in adjustment in to the loneliness situation. This study tries to explain the concept like geriatric loneliness and its coping mechanism in the modern digital era and in the light of modern relationship and its effect on the mind of the people involved.References (16)
- Mayo Clinic. How an Empty Nest can affect Parents, what You can do to Prepare for the Transition and how to Cope. 2020. [Online] Available from:https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthylifestyle/adult-health/in-depth/empty.nestsyndrome/art20047165#:~:text=Empty%20nest%20
- syndrome%20isn't,letting%20go%20can%20be%20painful
- Empty Nest Syndrome. Better Health Channel. 2010. [Online] Available
- fromhttps://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/HealthyLiving/empty-nestsyndrome
- Morin Amy. Signs and Symptoms of Empty Nest Syndrome. 2019. [Online] Available from:
- https://www.verywellfamily.com/signs-of-empty-nest-syndrome-4163787
- National Institutes of Health. Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorder. 5th Edn.2019. [Online] available from: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/conditions/empty-nest
- Berryhill A. 'The Empty Nest', in Better Homes and Gardens. May 1999. [Online] Available from
- FindArticles.com
- Coping with Grief. [Online], GriefLink, National Association for Loss & Grief (SA), Unley, South Australia. 1999.
- John Costello. Grief and Loneliness In Older People: Case Study Accounts of Conjugal Bereavement. Quality in Ageing and Older Adults (QAOA). 2002; 3(4): 3–11p.
- Pitman Alexandra L, King Michael B, et al. The Association of Loneliness after Sudden Bereavement with Risk of Suicide Attempt: A Nationwide Survey of Bereaved Adults. Soc
- Psychiatry Psychiatr Epidemiol. 2020; 55(8): 1081–1092p.
- Nalungwe Patricia. Loneliness among Elderly Widows and Its Effect on Their Mental Well Being. 2009. [Online] Available from http://www.arabwidows.org/upload/research/folder3/5.pdf
- Steven Reinberg. Social Isolation May Raise Death Risk for Elderly. 2021. [Online] Available
- from https://www.webmd.com/mental-health/news/20130325/isolation-loneliness-may-raisedeath-risk-for-elderly