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Mellan ensamhet och gemenskap - En kvalitativ intervjustudie om en mötesplats betydelse för äldres upplevelse av ensamhet.

Hantosi Turi, Hannah LU and Stagen, Ebba LU (2025) SOPB63 20242
School of Social Work
Abstract
This study aimed to understand how older adults experience loneliness and how a community center can reduce feelings of loneliness. Using a qualitative method, we conducted semi-structured interviews with six older adults, aged 65 and above, who regularly visit a community center in Skåne. The analysis focuses on three different themes: experiences of loneliness, the meaning of social life, and the importance of the community center. To analyze our empirical data we have used two main theories: KASAM, continuity theory, and one supplementary theory, the model of selective optimization with compensation (SOC). The main findings revealed that the interviewees experienced feelings of loneliness as personal and complex. However, a self-chosen... (More)
This study aimed to understand how older adults experience loneliness and how a community center can reduce feelings of loneliness. Using a qualitative method, we conducted semi-structured interviews with six older adults, aged 65 and above, who regularly visit a community center in Skåne. The analysis focuses on three different themes: experiences of loneliness, the meaning of social life, and the importance of the community center. To analyze our empirical data we have used two main theories: KASAM, continuity theory, and one supplementary theory, the model of selective optimization with compensation (SOC). The main findings revealed that the interviewees experienced feelings of loneliness as personal and complex. However, a self-chosen loneliness was perceived as comfortable, while an involuntary loneliness was experienced as challenging. Furthermore, the community center promoted meaningful social interactions, reduced feelings of loneliness, and offered a sense of belonging. These insights highlight the importance of accessible and inclusive social arenas customized to the diverse needs of older adults to reduce feelings of loneliness. (Less)
Please use this url to cite or link to this publication:
author
Hantosi Turi, Hannah LU and Stagen, Ebba LU
supervisor
organization
course
SOPB63 20242
year
type
M2 - Bachelor Degree
subject
keywords
community center, older adults, loneliness, sense of belonging, social context
language
Swedish
id
9182753
date added to LUP
2025-01-27 14:15:14
date last changed
2025-01-27 14:15:14
@misc{9182753,
  abstract     = {{This study aimed to understand how older adults experience loneliness and how a community center can reduce feelings of loneliness. Using a qualitative method, we conducted semi-structured interviews with six older adults, aged 65 and above, who regularly visit a community center in Skåne. The analysis focuses on three different themes: experiences of loneliness, the meaning of social life, and the importance of the community center. To analyze our empirical data we have used two main theories: KASAM, continuity theory, and one supplementary theory, the model of selective optimization with compensation (SOC). The main findings revealed that the interviewees experienced feelings of loneliness as personal and complex. However, a self-chosen loneliness was perceived as comfortable, while an involuntary loneliness was experienced as challenging. Furthermore, the community center promoted meaningful social interactions, reduced feelings of loneliness, and offered a sense of belonging. These insights highlight the importance of accessible and inclusive social arenas customized to the diverse needs of older adults to reduce feelings of loneliness.}},
  author       = {{Hantosi Turi, Hannah and Stagen, Ebba}},
  language     = {{swe}},
  note         = {{Student Paper}},
  title        = {{Mellan ensamhet och gemenskap - En kvalitativ intervjustudie om en mötesplats betydelse för äldres upplevelse av ensamhet.}},
  year         = {{2025}},
}