Abstract:

Mental illnesses, depression, & suicidal tendencies can result from extreme feelings of loneliness & boredom. Here, the negative relationships between frequent feelings of loneliness & boredom & overall satisfaction with life among older adults are examined based on interview data from a 1985/86 needs assessment study of 1,900+ adults aged 55+ in Miss, & also from a survey of 141 professionals in the area of aging. The findings show more clearly the importance of problems related to negative mental states. One of the most cost-effective & practical ways of improving overall satisfaction with life may be to give much greater attention to reducing frequent feelings of loneliness & boredom. Specific ways to reduce such feelings are derived utilizing a PSR (predetermining support/resistance to suggestions & policies) model.