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.

Keywords: Māori; ethnicity; living arrangements; loneliness; older adult.