Profile of ethnicity, living arrangements and loneliness amongst older adults in Aotearoa New Zealand: A national cross-sectional study

Abstract

Objective

To explore the patterns of living arrangements, ethnicity and loneliness amongst older adults (aged 65+ years) living at home.

Methods

National interRAI-HC (International Residential Assessment Instrument-Home Care) assessments conducted between 1 September 2012 and 31 January 2016 were analysed. Analysis focused on the associations between loneliness and both ethnic groups and living arrangements.

Results

There were 71 859 eligible participants, with average age 82.7 years, comprising Māori (5%), Pasifika (3%), Asian (2%) and European/Other (89%) ethnic identification. Most stated that they were not lonely (79%), but those living alone were more likely to be lonely (29%) than those living with others (14%) (P < 0.05). Amongst those living alone, significant differences in the likelihood of being lonely emerged between ethnic groups (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

Ethnic identification and living arrangements were significantly associated with the likelihood of loneliness for those having an interRAI-HC assessment. Efforts to reduce the negative impacts of loneliness need a nuanced approach.