Loneliness, Volunteering, and Quality of Life in European Older Adults

Loneliness is a risk factor for poorer health and quality of life of older adults. To provide an insight into loneliness interventions aimed at populations aging, this study examined the relationships between loneliness, voluntary/charity works, and quality of life among European older adults. This study builds on secondary data analysis employing data drawn from the Survey of Health, Ageing, and Retirement in Europe (SHARE) Waves 4 and 6; data collected in 2011 and 2015. A total sample of 32,839 aged 65+ who responded at both waves 4 and 6 were analyzed. Regression analysis was performed to determine the relationship between study variables, in particular, mediating role of voluntary/charity works in the association between loneliness and quality of life cross-sectionally and longitudinally. Results revealed that loneliness was significantly and negatively associated with quality of life over time, and voluntary/charity works appeared to in part mediate the relationship between loneliness and quality of life. Study findings provide evidence for a need for incorporation of social and civic activities such as volunteering into loneliness interventions for older adults.