Older rural adults were classified as either high or low risks for loneliness according to a combination of physical and social losses that they had incurred. Frequent loneliness was associated with widowhood, poor vision and self-rated health, problems with transportation, frequent use of telephone, low participation and being female. (Author)

Examined effect of sex differences on morale of 257 older rural widows and widowers. Sex of respondent was not found to affect morale; however, perceived financial status and self-rated health had significant direct effects. Widows and widowers reporting higher morale had higher perceived financial status and rated their health as good.…

Examines characteristics and needs of the widowed, Black, older adult. Special attention was given to the implications for policy. The general economic plight of widowed Blacks suggested the need for a basic floor of defined vital services that would speak to income, health, housing, and transportation. (Author)

Examined relative importance of emotional and social isolation to loneliness among very old rural adults (n=119). Found that emotional isolation, specifically loss of spouse, accounted for more loneliness than did social isolation. Hearing acuity and visits with siblings (social isolation variables) also were significant predictors of loneliness.…