AGE  and LONELINESS

INTRODUCTION: The author compares the Life Cycle Loneliness Curve with the available research using the UCLA Loneliness Scale  Basic terms are reviewed, the theoretical curve is  compared to the already existing  data, followed by discussion and conclusion.

PRIMITIVE TERMS: Many variables are reviewed relative to loneliness and / or the lack happiness and feelings or social integration and connectedness.  However Age appears to be one of the most robust  variables to impact both  loneliness and non- happiness. Age  generally does not need to be defined over and above  delineation among individuals who vary by days of one’s birth. Thus, it is used in this comparison.

 Loneliness  is generally a term that is in a cluster of definitions describing negative emotions such as unhappiness, depression, anxiety,  psychosomatic illness and anomia. One can feel lonely by oneself or in the company of others. It is a feeling of isolation and negativity. Often loneliness can lead to depression or unhappiness, but loneliness differs. Depression which is used some times as a synonym for loneliness varies, depression is a combination of situational and biochemical entities that may lead to marked life dysfunction and/or suicide. Loneliness here is to mean a negative sense of isolation from others and  perhaps from self.

Happiness has a rich tradition of meaning. However for this essay, it means a sense of well being. Incidentally, one can be alone and not unhappy, and have a feeling of a sense of restful solitude. Other than happiness or non-happiness.  Non-happiness dwells within the cluster of negative affect, but again loneliness is a correlate of non-happiness.

CURVES

The Life Cycle Loneliness Curve is theoretical. It is based on age as the primary variable that changes one sense of isolation from others and self and away from a sense of well being. It is based on industrial and postindustrial societies. In pre-modern societies, it has generally been observed that one lives among others of blood relations and close neighbors. It does not mean that there is always happiness, but a sense of social integration. This loneliness curve is generally not meant for this type of society, although it may apply through  testing. It generally appears to look like an inverted capital “N”. From early childhood into pre-adolescence, one appears less lonely. Late teens to early 20’s, there appears to  be increased loneliness from one’s self and for some others. One, never quite gains that sense of

THIS IS WRONG. THE SNELL CURVE HAS BEEN CHANGED. HAPPINESS, LONLINESS, MIDLIFE CRISIS ALL HAVE A FAIRLY EVEN FLOW EXCEPT IN THE RANGE OF THE 40’S WHERE THERE IS A DIP. YOU WILL SEE ANOTHER PAPER THAT MAKES THE CORRECTION.