Soledad percibida y el desarrollo de síntomas depresivos en el adulto mayor.

Abstract

Loneliness is a subjective experience that arises when a person feels that they do not have sufficient or meaningful emotional bonds. In institutionalized older adults, this feeling can increase when there is family estrangement, loss of important bonds, or lack of emotional attention. On the other hand, depression in old age is a public health problem that affects overall well-being. It presents with constant sadness, discouragement, negative thoughts, and lack of interest in daily activities. This study, carried out under the modality of systematization of experiences, had as its main objective to describe the impact of perceived loneliness on the development of depressive symptoms in older adults at the “Esteban Quirola Figueroa” Nursing Home in the city of Machala, El Oro province. A qualitative approach was used through semi-structured interviews to explore their experiences. In addition, the Yesavage est was used to detect depressive symptoms and the Jong Gierveld scale to measure levels of loneliness, both applied as screening instruments. The sample consisted of 11 older adults, 4 women and 7 men. As a result of the therapeutic intervention, there was a significant decrease in levels of loneliness and depressive symptoms, as well as greater participation in group activities, emotional expression, and a strengthened sense of belonging. It was concluded that perceived loneliness had a notable impact on the emotional state of institutionalized older adults and that, through appropriate therapeutic interventions, it is possible to reduce depressive symptoms and improve overall well-being.