Concept of loneliness, and perception of their current life moment, among elderly adults from Bello, Colombia, 2007

Objective: To explore the concept of loneliness and perception of the moment experienced by adults 55 and older in the municipality of Bello (Antioquia) in 2007. Methodology: A cross-sectional study. Two were open-ended questions were coded and were crossed with socio-demographic variables. The convenience sample was comprised of 180 adults of both sexes, residents in the municipality of Bello (Antioquia) and were not institutionalized. Results: The predominant concepts of loneliness were “being alone” (42.7%), “feeling lonely” (23%), followed by “horrible” (13.5%) and “isolated” (7.5%), and other concepts (12.5%) emphasized that the concept of loneliness is associated with socio-economic stratum and educational level attained. Conclusions: The survey population is predominant in a more objective (alone) than subjective (feeling alone) of loneliness. The way to perceive the current stage of life has a close relationship with the concept of loneliness, those who perceive it in a positive way choose preferably objectives concepts of loneliness. Despite the major changes experienced by older adults and the crises that must pass through this life cycle, it is generally perceived that they feel comfortable with the moment of their existence.