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Loneliness and aging in China–a public health problem in need of solutions

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  26 September 2014

Shulin Chen ,
Yeates Conwell  and
Helen Fung Kum Chiu
Shulin Chen
Affiliation:
Department of Psychology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
Yeates Conwell
Affiliation:
Department of Psychiatry, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, USA
Helen Fung Kum Chiu
Affiliation:
Department of Psychiatry, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China Email: helenchiu@cuhk.edu.hk
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Extract

Loneliness is a common, distressing feeling that results when one perceives his/her social relationships and supports as inadequate. Social connectedness refers to the relationships between the individual and his or her family, friends, community, and other supports. Neither loneliness nor social connectedness has received enough research attention, in particular with regard to older adults’ physical and mental health.

Type
Commentary Paper of the Month
Information
International Psychogeriatrics , Volume 26 , Issue 11 , November 2014 , pp. 1771 - 1772
Copyright
Copyright © International Psychogeriatric Association 2014 

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