A study of unwanted loneliness among people aged 65 and over in the city of Málaga

This report analyses the prevalence and factors associated with unwanted loneliness among people aged 65 and over living in the municipality of Málaga, based on a sample of 1,562 participants (mean age = 81.58, SD = 7.85), comprising users of the Dependency Service and/or the Home Help Service (SAD) run by Málaga City Council, as well as users of the Council’s activity programmes and other participants not enrolled in these programmes. The assessment was carried out using the SESLA-S scale, which measures different dimensions of loneliness (general, familial, romantic and social), and the SWLS scale, which assesses life satisfaction as a component of subjective well-being. The aim of the study is to identify levels of loneliness, risk factors and protective factors, in order to guide the design of social intervention policies and programmes aimed at the elderly population. The results show that a significant proportion of older people experience moderate or high levels of loneliness, particularly in the social and romantic dimensions. Living alone is associated with higher levels of loneliness and lower life satisfaction, constituting one of the main risk factors identified. Conversely, participation in social and community programmes
appears to be associated with lower levels of loneliness and greater subjective well-being.

Similarly, the use of information and communication technologies is associated with lower levels of social isolation and greater life satisfaction, suggesting that digital inclusion may play a protective role. In terms of recommendations for intervention, these results suggest the advisability of incorporating early detection systems for loneliness into social services, prioritising intervention for older people living alone, strengthening programmes for social participation and active ageing, promoting digital literacy initiatives, and integrating objectives for social accompaniment and relational support into care services for people with dependency needs. These measures can help prevent unwanted loneliness and improve the well-being of older people.