Exploring the interconnection between loneliness and depression among elderly residents in long-term care facilities

Purpose This study aims to explore the correlation between loneliness and depression among elderly residents in a social care home, with the objective of informing more effective mental health interventions in elderly care. Design/methodology/approach A cross-sectional correlational design was utilized, using consecutive sampling to select 138 elderly participants from a social care home in Indonesia. The UCLA Loneliness Scale Version 3 and the Geriatric Depression Scale-15 served as the primary instruments for data collection. Pearson’s correlation coefficient was used to analyze the relationship between loneliness and depression. Findings The study revealed that 36% of participants experienced moderate loneliness, while 47% exhibited mild depression. Pearson’s correlation analysis demonstrated a statistically significant positive relationship between loneliness and depression (r = 0.339, p = 0.0001), indicating that higher levels of loneliness were associated with increased levels of depression among the elderly Research limitations/implications This study focused exclusively on elderly individuals in one social care institution, which may limit the generalizability of the findings to other elderly populations or settings. In addition, its cross-sectional design restricts the ability to infer causality. Future longitudinal research could provide deeper insights into the directional relationship between loneliness and depression. Improved sampling methods, covering multiple institutions and varied demographics, are recommended to strengthen the representativeness and applicability of the results in broader contexts of elderly care and mental health. Practical implications The study suggests that social care institutions should prioritize mental health interventions that address loneliness to mitigate depressive symptoms among elderly residents. This could involve implementing structured social activities, enhancing interpersonal interactions and creating supportive social networks. Training staff in recognizing signs of loneliness and depression may also improve early detection and intervention, ultimately contributing to improved mental health outcomes and quality of life for elderly residents in long-term care facilities. Social implications These findings highlight the social need for greater support and understanding of mental health challenges in elderly care, especially loneliness and depression. Enhanced community involvement and family engagement programs could promote a more inclusive environment that values the elderly’s emotional well-being. Addressing these issues may also reduce the stigma around mental health in aging populations, fostering a healthier, more supportive social environment within care institutions and the wider community. Originality/value This study fills a significant gap by examining loneliness and depression among elderly residents in an Indonesian social care home, an under-researched area in developing countries. The study’s focus on a non-Western context provides unique insights into elderly mental health, underscoring how socio-cultural and institutional factors influence the prevalence of loneliness and depression. Its findings contribute valuable data for policymakers, practitioners and researchers, emphasizing the importance of culturally sensitive approaches in developing mental health interventions for elderly populations in developing nations.