La relación de la percepción de la soledad y ansiedad frente al apoyo social en adultos mayores.

Abstract

Introduction: Population aging has led to an increase in mental health problems, such as loneliness and anxiety. These factors significantly impact the well-being of older adults, making social support essential. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for addressing their needs in a variable demographic context. Objective: This study aims to describe the correlation between perceived loneliness and anxiety disorders regarding social support among older adults. Methodology: This qualitative, descriptive literature review explored 38 articles published between 2018 and 2025 from Scopus, PubMed, and Web of Science databases, all of which met the selection criteria. Results: A significant proportion of perceived loneliness in older adults was identified using the De Jong Gierveld Loneliness Scale (DJGLS). Similarly, a substantial presence of anxiety disorders in older adults was corroborated through the Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-item (GAD-7) scale. Finally, a correlation was evidenced between perceived loneliness, anxiety disorders, and the moderating effect of social support in older adults. Conclusion: Loneliness was linked to an increased risk of developing anxiety symptoms and disorders. However, having an adequate social support network helped mitigate this risk, promoting psychological and emotional well-being during this life stage.