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Loneliness amongst Low-Socioeconomic Status Elderly Singaporeans and its Association with Perceptions of the Neighbourhood Environment

Author

Listed:
  • Liang En Wee

    (Department of Infectious Diseases, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore 169608, Singapore
    Duke-NUS Graduate Medical School, Singapore 169857, Singapore)

  • Tammy Yun Ying Tsang

    (Institute of Mental Health, Singapore 539747, Singapore)

  • Huso Yi

    (Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University Health System, National University of Singapore, Singapore 119228, Singapore)

  • Sue Anne Toh

    (Regional Health System Planning and Development, National University Health System, National University of Singapore, Singapore 119228, Singapore)

  • Geok Ling Lee

    (Department of Social Work, Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore 119077, Singapore)

  • Jaime Yee

    (Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University Health System, National University of Singapore, Singapore 119228, Singapore)

  • Shannon Lee

    (Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University Health System, National University of Singapore, Singapore 119228, Singapore)

  • Kellynn Oen

    (Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University Health System, National University of Singapore, Singapore 119228, Singapore)

  • Gerald Choon Huat Koh

    (Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University Health System, National University of Singapore, Singapore 119228, Singapore)

Abstract

In Singapore, a densely urbanised Asian city state, more than 80% of the population stays in public housing estates and the majority (90%) own their own homes. For the needy who cannot afford home ownership, public rental flats are available. We were interested in exploring social-environmental factors that are associated with loneliness among elderly residents of public rental housing in Singapore. We surveyed residents aged ≥60 in two Singapore public housing precincts in 2016. Loneliness was measured using a three-item scale. Sociodemographic information was obtained via standardised questionnaires. We used chi-square to identify associations between loneliness and sociodemographic characteristics, as well as neighbourhood perceptions (safety, convenience and the physical environment), on univariate analysis; and logistic regression for multivariate analysis. The response rate was 62.1% (528/800). On multivariate analysis, staying in a rental flat block was independently associated with loneliness (adjusted odds ratio, aOR = 2.10, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.32–3.36), as was staying in a poorer physical environment (aOR = 1.92, 95% CI = 1.15–3.22). Although needy Singapore residents share the same built environment as more well-to-do neighbours, differences in the impact of loneliness do exist.

Suggested Citation

  • Liang En Wee & Tammy Yun Ying Tsang & Huso Yi & Sue Anne Toh & Geok Ling Lee & Jaime Yee & Shannon Lee & Kellynn Oen & Gerald Choon Huat Koh, 2019. "Loneliness amongst Low-Socioeconomic Status Elderly Singaporeans and its Association with Perceptions of the Neighbourhood Environment," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 16(6), pages 1-9, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:16:y:2019:i:6:p:967-:d:214864
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Lixia Ge & Chun Wei Yap & Reuben Ong & Bee Hoon Heng, 2017. "Social isolation, loneliness and their relationships with depressive symptoms: A population-based study," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 12(8), pages 1-13, August.
    2. Ruby Yu & Osbert Cheung & Kevin Lau & Jean Woo, 2017. "Associations between Perceived Neighborhood Walkability and Walking Time, Wellbeing, and Loneliness in Community-Dwelling Older Chinese People in Hong Kong," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 14(10), pages 1-15, October.
    3. Anna Wong & Anson K. C. Chau & Yang Fang & Jean Woo, 2017. "Illuminating the Psychological Experience of Elderly Loneliness from a Societal Perspective: A Qualitative Study of Alienation between Older People and Society," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 14(7), pages 1-19, July.
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    Cited by:

    1. Liang En Wee & Yun Ying Tammy Tsang & Sook Muay Tay & Andre Cheah & Mark Puhaindran & Jaime Yee & Shannon Lee & Kellynn Oen & Choon Huat Gerald Koh, 2019. "Perceived Neighborhood Environment and Its Association with Health Screening and Exercise Participation amongst Low-Income Public Rental Flat Residents in Singapore," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 16(8), pages 1-16, April.

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