Profile of ethnicity, living arrangements and loneliness amongst older adults in Aotearoa New Zealand: A national cross-sectional study.

ObjectiveTo explore the patterns of living arrangements, ethnicity and loneliness amongst older adults (aged 65+ years) living at home. MethodsNational interRAI-HC (International Residential Assessment Instrument-Home Care) assessments conducted between 1 September 2012 and 31 January 2016 were analysed. Analysis focused on the associations between loneliness and both ethnic groups and living arrangements. ResultsThere were 71 859 eligible participants, with average age 82.7 years, comprising Maori (5%), Pasifika (3%), Asian (2%) and European/Other (89%) ethnic identification. Most stated that they were not lonely (79%), but those living alone were more likely to be lonely (29%) than those living with others (14%) (P < 0.05). Amongst those living alone, significant differences in the likelihood of being lonely emerged between ethnic groups (P < 0.05). ConclusionsEthnic identification and living arrangements were significantly associated with the likelihood of loneliness for those having an interRAI-HC assessment. Efforts to reduce the negative impacts of loneliness need a nuanced approach. Policy Impact: Loneliness is common for older people who had International Residential Assessment Instrument-Home Care assessment, and patterns of loneliness appear to relate to living arrangements and ethnicity. Data from comprehensive geriatric assessments could be used to identify large numbers of people with loneliness, to monitor changes over time and to develop culturally appropriate public health strategies to overcome loneliness and social isolation. Practice Impact: This information highlights risk factors for those who are lonely. This will raise awareness of who to screen when doing clinical assessments.