Diferenças de género na solidão em pessoas idosas, em Portugal: intersecção com idade e coabitação

Abstract

Loneliness and social isolation are critical determinants of health and well-being in older populations, yet how they manifest differentially by gender remains underexplored, particularly in the Portuguese context. This study examines gender differences in loneliness and social isolation among older Portuguese adults, exploring their relationship with age and living arrangement.

A population-based cross-sectional observational study was conducted using data from the ninth wave of the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe (SHARE) among Portuguese participants aged 65 years and older, collected between 2021 and 2022. Logistic regression models were estimated, adjusted for age and cohabitation status.

Results reveal a dissociation between structural and subjective dimensions of social relations: men demonstrate greater objective isolation—notably absence of close relationships—whilst women significantly more frequently report feelings of loneliness, independent of age and living arrangement. Gender differences are most pronounced in younger age groups and amongst those living with others; among those living alone, men emerge as the more vulnerable group across multiple dimensions.

These findings underscore the need for gender-differentiated strategies for health promotion and isolation prevention, informing more equitable and effective active ageing policies, and open new research pathways.