Resumo

GEYER, Stephan; CHONODY, Jill  e  TEATER, Barbra. Locked down in the rainbow nation: alleviating the loneliness of South African older persons. Social work (Stellenbosch. Online) [online]. 2023, vol.59, n.4, pp.338-356. ISSN 2312-7198.  https://doi.org/10.15270/59-4-1171.

The literature on the biopsychosocial effects of COVID-19 on older persons has originated predominately from the Global North, with a dearth of studies focusing on the loneliness of older persons in the developing world, such as South Africa. This cross-sectional study explored the loneliness of South African older persons (N = 118) before and during COVID-19 to inform gerontological social work. The survey incorporated a standardised scale of loneliness and items to assess the type and quantity of contact with others, physical health, mental health and socio-demographic variables. Bivariate and multivariate analyses explored the factors that contributed to overall loneliness, emotional loneliness and social loneliness. Results indicated a statistically significant increase in social, emotional and overall loneliness from pre- to during COVID-19. Considered from a socio-ecological resilience perspective, gerontological social work services are recommended for alleviating loneliness amongst South African older persons during a pandemic, such as COVID-19.

Palavras-chave : COVID-19; developmental social welfare; gerontological social work; loneliness; older persons; socio-ecological resilience; South Africa.

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