Living arrangements, intergenerational support types and older adult loneliness in Eastern and Western Europe

Aim of this study was to investigate older adult loneliness as linked with living arrangements and intergenerational support, using data from the Generations and Gender Surveys for East and West European countries. Older adults living alone were most lonely, older adults living with a partner were least lonely. Coresidence provides protection, but not to the same degree as a partner. Intergenational support flows primarily downward. Older adults who were primarily on the receiving side were most lonely, particularly if they were in coresident households. Older adults who were primarily on the giving side were generally least lonely.