Loneliness and spirituality among elderly residing at a residential care home in karakulam panchayat: A mixed method study

ABSTRACT Background Social isolation can have a major impact on seniors' lives. Emotional distress because of loneliness, depression, and poor physical and mental health is associated with social isolation. People can become socially isolated for a variety of reasons, such as getting older or weaker, no longer being the hub of their family, leaving the workplace, the deaths of spouses and friends, or through disability or illness. Spirituality can help older people find solace and peace of mind, especially if they are feeling lonely or isolated. Objective The present study was conducted to assess the loneliness and spirituality of inhabitants of a residential care home, and to determine the factors affecting loneliness in-depth interviews. Materials and Methods A cross-sectional mixed-method study was conducted after taking consent from the study population. A pre designed questionnaire was used for data collection. Data was analyzed using SPSS software, and the results were reported as percentages. Study Setting Karakulam Panchayat of Thiruvananthapuram District Participants Residents aged 65 and older residing at Bethel gram, residential care home Vazhayila, Thiruvananthapuram. Result This study shows that 11 out of 40 residents in a residential care home experience loneliness, and 25 out of 40 residents are spiritual. More than a quarter of the residents experienced significant feelings of loneliness, and more than half of the residents are spiritual. Conclusion By estimating the prevalence of loneliness and assessing spirituality among the elderly residents of a residential care home, you can gain important insight into their emotional and psychological well-being. The study provides insight into the spiritual health of the residents, highlighting their sense of meaning, purpose, and connection to spirituality. Loneliness can have a negative effect on mental and physical health, so identifying and addressing the feeling in the community may be essential for improving residents’ quality of life.