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Loneliness and social isolation in later life: a longitudinal analysis of growing old in Brazil

Within the developed world research has consistently demonstrated that social relationships are key to a good quality of life and wellbeing in old age. Loneliness and isolation are two established measures of compromised social relationships and are a significant problem for older people across the developed world with 10% classified as severely lonely and 15% as chronically isolated. We have identified the groups most likely to experience loneliness in later life including those who are widowed, those with fewer material resources and those with poor health. Loneliness and isolation have important negative consequences for both older adults and society being linked with a range of negative health, social and service use outcomes.

Our knowledge the prevalence, risk factors, consequences and loneliness/isolation trajectories outside of the developed world is sparse. Using the wealth of longitudinal studies examining ageing in Brazil including the Bambui and Sao Paulo cohorts, the Brazilian Longitudinal Study of Adult Health (established 2008) and the new Brazilian Longitudinal Study of Health, Ageing and Wellbeing this project will examine the prevalence of loneliness among Brazilian older adults, identify key vulnerability and protective factors, identify key health outcomes linked with loneliness and isolation and map trajectories of loneliness/isolation over time. As the Bambui and Sao Paulo cohorts were established in 1997 and 2003 respectively we will also be able to consider cohort changes in loneliness/isolation within the context of the profound socio-economic change that has characterised Brazil over the last 20 years.

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  1. Contact the supervisor by email or phone to discuss your interest and find out if you would be suitable. Supervisor details can be found on this topic page. The supervisor will guide you in developing the topic-specific research proposal, which will form part of your application.
  2. Click on the 'Apply here' button on this page and you will be taken to the relevant PhD course page, where you can apply using an online application.
  3. Complete the online application indicating your selected supervisor and include the research proposal for the topic you have selected.

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This is a self funded topic

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