A SUPPLEMENTAL INDEX FOR AGE AND LONELINES CURVE

Abstract:

The “U” curve appears to emerge with age as the independent variable and the dependent variables appears to be loneliness, happiness, and work relationships.

Introduction:

Back in 2008, the author along with M. Marsh described a Reverse “N” curve for age and loneliness. The curve was based on both literature reviews and an expert in the field. Since then, we were in error (Snell, J. & M. Marsh. 2008)

Discussion:

As more information was acquired, we noted that a narrow to flattened “U” more accurately described age and loneliness. Further age and happiness appear to be related with the flattened “U.” (Ibid.)Although, the various curves were generally related, they were not directly related.

Since then, this author has discovered a chapter in John Clifton’s Blind Spot. (2022)   In the chapter on the “Lonely Planet” he discusses how loneliness is related to age and also to the impact of friendship at work. Age can mean in an industrial society that at work is generally in a separate place away from home. Further, age and loneliness can generally be at work and family.  Do you have a friend(s) at work? Generally, this author begins with a near replication of Clinton’s discussion in his book (145.)

So it would appear that his 5 point Likert asks “Do you have a friend or friends at work? Strongly Agree, Agree, Neither Agree or Disagree,  Strongly Disagree. He then indicates that so much time can be lonely at work without friends or continually traveling away from significant others.

Further, only 15% claim “real friends.” So the “U” starts at around 20 and continues until retirement. Late life can be very lonely without relatives. One can be isolated in a single apartment of eldercare. Visits from relatives can be empty depending on the time spent in the previous years. However at the very end, emptiness appears to diminish as they move toward death.

Again, we find another “U” that is formed. Like the efficacy of the bell curve, perhaps the “U” is more universal.

References Cited

Clifton, John (2022) Blind Spot, The Global Rise of Unhappiness and How Leaders Missed It, (Washington D.C. Gallup Press)

Snell, Joel C. & Mitchell Marsh,