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Linda Grenade

Other affiliations: University of Western Australia
Bio: Linda Grenade is an academic researcher from Curtin University. The author has contributed to research in topics: Loneliness & Social isolation. The author has an hindex of 6, co-authored 8 publications receiving 563 citations. Previous affiliations of Linda Grenade include University of Western Australia.

Papers
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Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The need to conduct more residential care-focused research; the importance of addressing a variety of methodological concerns; and the need for practitioners to develop intervention programs that are appropriately targeted, evidence-based and evaluated are identified.
Abstract: Although often associated with older age, loneliness and social isolation are not well understood in terms of their prevalence, risk and protective factors. Evidence suggests that only a minority of community-dwelling older people are "severely" lonely or isolated, however a number of factors need to be considered to fully understand the extent and significance of the problem. Community-based studies have identified a variety of risk factors for loneliness/isolation including widowhood, no (surviving) children, living alone, deteriorating health, and life events (eg, loss and bereavement). Having a confidant has been identified as a protective factor for loneliness. However, evidence is often unclear or inconclusive, especially within residential settings. We identified the need to conduct more residential care-focused research; the importance of addressing a variety of methodological concerns; and the need for practitioners to develop intervention programs that are appropriately targeted, evidence-based and evaluated.

281 citations

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, the authors argue that the social context, in combination with the physical environment, exerts a more potent influence upon the experience of later life than either intrinsic genetic or biological factors, and suggest that a high level of social engagement is a key factor in achieving the individually and socially desired goal of successful aging.
Abstract: The social environment is one of the key factors determining the quality of life of older people. Research has consistently demonstrated a strong and positive relationship between social engagement in all forms but especially participation within kin and wider social networks, and a high quality of life. However, this recognition of the importance of this relationship is not new. In the early 1960s, the ‘activity theorists’ of aging posited that the key to a good old age was the maintenance of high levels of activity, including social participation and the maintenance of kin- and friendship-based relationships. This resonates with the ideas of Rowe and Kahn who suggest that a high level of social engagement is a key factor in achieving the individually and socially desired goal of ‘successful aging’. Furthermore, they argue that, with advanced age, the social context, in combination with the physical environment, exerts a more potent influence upon the experience of later life than either intrinsic genetic or biological factors. Whilst the prescriptive strictures of activity theory and successful aging remain the subject of debate, there seems little doubt that the social environment continues to exert both a powerful influence upon, and provides a context within which people experience old age, both individually and collectively.

132 citations

Journal ArticleDOI
Duncan Boldy1, Linda Grenade1, Gill Lewin1, Elizabeth Karol1, Elissa Burton1 
TL;DR: To investigate ‘ageing in place’ in terms of house, locality and support, related to the Western Australia members of National Seniors Australia.
Abstract: Aim: To investigate ‘ageing in place’ in terms of house, locality and support, related to the Western Australia members of National Seniors Australia. Methods: A postal survey of 6859 members, followed by structured interviews with a subsample of respondents. Results: A similar proportion of respondents (nearly 30%) had either moved house recently or not for at least 20 years. Almost half were intending to stay in their current residence as they aged, this proportion increasing with age. A key reason for staying was having a ‘comfortable’ home. Related to moving, lifestyle change was particularly important for younger respondents and upkeep/maintenance difficulties for older respondents. Conclusion: For varied and complex reasons, many adults choose to move between the ages of 55 and 75. Government policy can further support older Australians to have choices of ‘places’ to live in that maximise their ability to retain independence.

128 citations

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: To determine the prevalence and demographic correlates of loneliness in a sample of older people in Perth, Western Australia, a study of over-65s found that loneliness is more common in older people than in younger people.
Abstract: Objectives: To determine the prevalence and demographic correlates of loneliness in a sample of older people in Perth, Western Australia. Methods: People aged 65 years and over living in private dwellings were recruited randomly, stratified by socioeconomic area, sex and 5-year age groups to 85 years. A total of 353 people with mean age of 77.5 years responded to a mailed questionnaire comprising demographic questions and three measures of loneliness. Results: Severe loneliness was reported by 7.0% of the sample and feeling lonely sometimes by 31.5%. Higher levels of loneliness were reported by single participants, those who lived alone and those with worse self-rated health. The protective value against loneliness of social networks appears to be, in order of importance: friends, relatives, neighbours and children. Conclusions: Although loneliness is not universally reported by older Perth residents, its prevalence is still considerable and worthy of attention from mental health practitioners and policy-makers.

85 citations

Journal Article
Duncan Boldy1, Linda Grenade, Gill Lewin1, Elizabeth Karol1, Elissa Burton1 
TL;DR: The authors explored the moving and staying actions and intentions of older people living in rural areas of Western Australia (WA) and compared results with those living in metropolitan Perth/Fremantle.
Abstract: The objective of the study was to explore the moving and staying actions and intentions of older people (50+) living in rural areas of Western Australia (WA) and to compare results with those living in metropolitan Perth/Fremantle. The design involved a cross-sectional postal survey of a sample of WA members of National Seniors Australia, living in their own homes in the community, followed by in-depth interviews with a subset of survey respondents (n=39). Most survey respondents lived in metropolitan Perth/ Fremantle (1630), followed by country towns (1092) and more rural locations (291). Interviews were conducted with 39 participants, 19 of whom lived outside the metropolitan area. The main outcome measures consisted of the proportions of respondents by location and age group who had moved, were thinking of moving or were intending to stay put; also the main reasons for such actions and intentions. Rural respondents were 1.3 times more likely to be thinking of moving in the short term compared to metropolitan respondents. A key reason given for moving from rural areas was 'thinking about where wanted to live for rest of lives', this tending to be associated with 'employment' or 'retirement' for those under 65; with 'retirement', 'closer to family/friends' and 'upkeep/maintenance difficulties' being particularly important for those 65+. 'Wanting a lifestyle change' was a key reason for moving to a rural location for those aged under 65. The study concluded that there are a number of issues faced by older people living in rural areas of WA which limit the extent to which 'ageing in place' is a viable choice for them as they age. Keywords: moving, staying, housing, location, support, modifications.

11 citations


Cited by
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Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: A paucity of research focusing on at-risk sub-groups and in the area of interventions is found, with a focus on the definitions and measurements of the two concepts, associations and causal mechanisms, differences across population groups and interventions.
Abstract: The health and well-being consequences of social isolation and loneliness in old age are increasingly being recognised The purpose of this scoping review was to take stock of the available evidence and to highlight gaps and areas for future research We searched nine databases for empirical papers investigating the impact of social isolation and/or loneliness on a range of health outcomes in old age Our search, conducted between July and September 2013 yielded 11,736 articles, of which 128 items from 15 countries were included in the scoping review Papers were reviewed, with a focus on the definitions and measurements of the two concepts, associations and causal mechanisms, differences across population groups and interventions The evidence is largely US-focused, and loneliness is more researched than social isolation A recent trend is the investigation of the comparative effects of social isolation and loneliness Depression and cardiovascular health are the most often researched outcomes, followed by well-being Almost all (but two) studies found a detrimental effect of isolation or loneliness on health However, causal links and mechanisms are difficult to demonstrate, and further investigation is warranted We found a paucity of research focusing on at-risk sub-groups and in the area of interventions Future research should aim to better link the evidence on the risk factors for loneliness and social isolation and the evidence on their impact on health

772 citations

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, the authors provide an overview of factors influencing the acceptance of electronic technologies that support aging in place by community-dwelling older adults, including concerns regarding technology, high cost, privacy implications and usability factors; expected benefits of technology (e.g., increased safety and perceived usefulness); need for technology, perceived need and subjective health status); alternatives to technology; social influence, influence of family, friends and professional caregivers; and characteristics of older adults.

699 citations

01 Jan 2014
TL;DR: Post-implementation research on technology acceptance by community-dwelling older adults is scarce and most of the factors in this review have not been tested by using quantitative methods, so further research is needed to determine if and how the factors are interrelated, and how they relate to existing models of technology acceptance.
Abstract: Purpose: To provide an overview of factors influencing the acceptance of electronic tech-nologies that support aging in place by community-dwelling older adults. Since technologyacceptance factors fluctuate over time, a distinction was made between factors in the pre-implementation stage and factors in the post-implementation stage. Methods: A systematic review of mixed studies. Seven major scientific databases (includingMEDLINE, Scopus and CINAHL) were searched. Inclusion criteria were as follows: (1) originaland peer-reviewed research, (2) qualitative, quantitative or mixed methods research, (3)research in which participants are community-dwelling older adults aged 60 years or older,and (4) research aimed at investigating factors that influence the intention to use or theactual use of electronic technology for aging in place. Three researchers each read the articlesand extracted factors. Results: Sixteen out of 2841 articles were included. Most articles investigated acceptance oftechnology that enhances safety or provides social interaction. The majority of data wasbased on qualitative research investigating factors in the pre-implementation stage. Accep-tance in this stage is influenced by 27 factors, divided into six themes: concerns regardingtechnology (e.g., high cost, privacy implications and usability factors); expected benefits oftechnology (e.g., increased safety and perceived usefulness); need for technology (e.g., per-ceived need and subjective health status); alternatives to technology (e.g., help by family orspouse), social influence (e.g., influence of family, friends and professional caregivers); andcharacteristics of older adults (e.g., desire to age in place). When comparing these results to qualitative results on post-implementation acceptance, our analysis showed that some factors are persistent while new factors also emerge. Quantitative results showed that a small number of variables have a significant influence in the pre-implementation stage. Fourteen out of the sixteen included articles did not use an existing technology acceptance framework or model. Conclusions: Acceptance of technology in the pre-implementation stage is influenced by multiple factors. However, post-implementation research on technology acceptance by community-dwelling older adults is scarce and most of the factors in this review have not been tested by using quantitative methods. Further research is needed to determine if and how the factors in this review are interrelated, and how they relate to existing models of technology acceptance.

646 citations

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Assessment of the effectiveness of interventions designed to alleviate social isolation and loneliness in older people found common characteristics of effective interventions were those developed within the context of a theoretical basis, and those offering social activity and/or support within a group format.
Abstract: Targeting social isolation in older people is a growing public health concern. The proportion of older people in society has increased in recent decades, and it is estimated that approximately 25% of the population will be aged 60 or above within the next 20 to 40 years. Social isolation is prevalent amongst older people and evidence indicates the detrimental effect that it can have on health and wellbeing. The aim of this review was to assess the effectiveness of interventions designed to alleviate social isolation and loneliness in older people. Relevant electronic databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, ASSIA, IBSS, PsycINFO, PubMed, DARE, Social Care Online, the Cochrane Library and CINAHL) were systematically searched using an extensive search strategy, for randomised controlled trials and quasi-experimental studies published in English before May 2009. Additional articles were identified through citation tracking. Studies were included if they related to older people, if the intervention aimed to alleviate social isolation and loneliness, if intervention participants were compared against inactive controls and, if treatment effects were reported. Two independent reviewers extracted data using a standardised form. Narrative synthesis and vote-counting methods were used to summarise and interpret study data. Thirty two studies were included in the review. There was evidence of substantial heterogeneity in the interventions delivered and the overall quality of included studies indicated a medium to high risk of bias. Across the three domains of social, mental and physical health, 79% of group-based interventions and 55% of one-to-one interventions reported at least one improved participant outcome. Over 80% of participatory interventions produced beneficial effects across the same domains, compared with 44% of those categorised as non-participatory. Of interventions categorised as having a theoretical basis, 87% reported beneficial effects across the three domains compared with 59% of interventions with no evident theoretical foundation. Regarding intervention type, 86% of those providing activities and 80% of those providing support resulted in improved participant outcomes, compared with 60% of home visiting and 25% of internet training interventions. Fifty eight percent of interventions that explicitly targeted socially isolated or lonely older people reported positive outcomes, compared with 80% of studies with no explicit targeting. More, well-conducted studies of the effectiveness of social interventions for alleviating social isolation are needed to improve the evidence base. However, it appeared that common characteristics of effective interventions were those developed within the context of a theoretical basis, and those offering social activity and/or support within a group format. Interventions in which older people are active participants also appeared more likely to be effective. Future interventions incorporating all of these characteristics may therefore be more successful in targeting social isolation in older people.

589 citations

Book ChapterDOI
01 Jun 2006
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors provide an overview of theoretical ideas regarding loneliness, focusing on individuallevel and societal predisposing characteristics as well as on genetic/evolutionary perspectives on the onset and continuation of loneliness.
Abstract: textLoneliness is nowadays considered to be one of the main problems in society. The negative experience of a discrepancy between the desired and the achieved personal network of relationships is common and affects both younger and older adults. This chapter first addresses well-established aspects and new developments in the main concepts of loneliness and social isolation, the measuring instruments and the prevalence of loneliness. The chapter continues by an overview of theoretical ideas regarding loneliness, focusing on individuallevel and societal predisposing characteristics as well as on genetic/evolutionary perspectives on the onset and continuation of loneliness. The main part of the chapter is dedicated to empirical evidence from many sources and disciplines including psychology, sociology and epidemiological sciences. The prevention of loneliness, coping and interventions are addressed in the final part of the chapter. Other chapters in this volume address topics related to loneliness, namely social rejection, the neuroscience of social disconnection, social networks, and relationships and health (see Leary & Acosta, this volume; Cacioppo, this volume; Felmlee & Sinclair, this volume; and Holt-Lunstad, this volume).

540 citations