Preventing loneliness: promising insights for achieving active aging and a positive quality of life

Abstract

[EN]In this chapter, we provide a conceptual basis, and strategies, to prevent loneliness as one way of enhancing active aging and quality of life as people age. Following Cohen-Mansfield et al.’s (2018) recent recommendations we seek to offer an integrated vision that allows a better understanding of the risk factors and consequences of loneliness from young adulthood to late life, as well as the relevant aspects to consider when designing preventive programs. To better understand loneliness, we use Peplau and Perlman’s (1982) cognitive discrepancy model. In designing a preventive program, we extend Schoenmakers’ (2013) framework that he developed to guide organizations wanting to help people avoid loneliness. We suggest preventive strategies involving both primary actions designed to be omplemented before loneliness occurs, and secondary actions designed to alleviate loneliness in its early stages of emergence.