LONELINESS IN OLD AGE: A STUDY OF ELDERLY PEOPLE IN LATVIA

The article discusses the peculiarities of loneliness among elderly people in Latvia. The study involved 98 people aged 65 to 86 living in different social conditions: alone, with relatives, or in a retirement home (Latvia). Psychometric characteristics of the UCLA Loneliness Scale (Version 3), adapted by the author, are presented. The survey results show the views of the elderly on old age and loneliness, feelings arising from loneliness, relationships with others, peers, and communication skills. The reasons for loneliness and the peculiarities of behavior during loneliness were studied. The experience of loneliness is also analyzed depending on social conditions.