Lonely older people as a problem in society – construction in Finnish media
Loneliness is a prevalent stereotype of old age but there is a lack of studies of how it is represented in mass media. This study examines how the loneliness of older people is portrayed in mass media. The research material consists of 154 texts from the leading 50+ magazines and daily newspapers in Finland. In the texts, loneliness was rarely seen solely as a lack of companionship and many negative attributes were connected to it. Among other things, loneliness was connected to the low status of older people in society, inhumane practices in elderly care, lack of meaning in life and neglect by relatives. Loneliness was also viewed as an inevitable part of ageing. However, many suggestions were made to alleviate loneliness. The extent of these suggestions varied from broad and collective actions to simple and perfunctory solutions.
Similar entries
- Experience of social and emotional loneliness among older people in Ireland
- Listening to You: the baseline report from the Campaign to End Loneliness
- Loneliness is 'hidden killer' of elderly
- Loneliness is 'deadly for the elderly'
- Study suggests link between loneliness and blood pressure
- Call to help ease elderly isolation
- Call to help ease elderly isolation
- SLÁN 2007: Survey of Lifestyle, Attitudes and Nutrition in Ireland. Mental Health and Social Well-being Report
- Loneliness the biggest problem for elderly, says St Vincent de Paul
- Loneliness as harmful as smoking and obesity, say scientists





