Vulnerability risk among older people living alone: A cross-sectional study using the Vulnerable Elders Survey (VES-13)

Abstract

Abstract Solo living or living alone with geographically near support among older people is considered by some as a life-style choice. However, kinlessness may prove to be critical for the health and well-being among older people. This cross-sectional study examined the profile of older people living alone and to determine their risk for health deterioration based on self-rated health, limitations in physical function, and functional disabilities. Data collection was through an online survey from a close social media group with members from all over the world, who identified as older people living alone with no geographically close family members. The Vulnerable Elder Survey (VES-13) developed by Saliba et al. (2001) was used for the purpose of examining vulnerability of the older people living in the community. Our findings show that older adults in our study, even though they are still able to cope living alone in the community, 21.4% were considered vulnerable and at risk of health decline. Less than half of participants (n = 137; 43.8%) have an advanced medical care plan and more than 50% (n = 242) of participants did not have access to any organisation or agency that assists with health appointment/visits. In terms of the matters that concern participants the most while living alone in the community, healthcare access (valid% = 35.8%) and affordability (valid% = 35.8%) ranked as topmost priorities, followed by the social involvement, climate and weather, preserving and promoting health, transportation, physical fitness and spiritual well-being. Our findings suggested that multi-sectoral effort by way of community members, beyond the healthcare settings (i.e., lawyers and policymakers) is needed to identify and address the challenges faced by older people living alone while they are still residing within their communities and have competent decision-making capacity, particularly matters concerning their health and access to healthcare services.