الفهرس 
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Abstract
Loneliness is one of the most common psychosocial problems facing elders. It is considered a serious social and public health problem.It is a psychological state that has been defined as the unpleasant experience that occurs when a person’s network of social relationships is significantly deficient in either quality or quantity. It is defined also as the discrepancy that exists between the interpersonal relationships one wishes to have, and those that one perceives they currently have. Aim of the study : Identify factors affecting loneliness among institutionalized and non-institutionalized elders. Materials and Method : Results:the main results of the present study are, most institutionalized elders had a high feeling of loneliness compared to non-institutionalized elders. The main factors affecting loneliness among institutionalized and non-institutionalized elders were occupation before retirement, elders’ perception about their health and depression. Specifically for Institutionalized elders the main factor affecting loneliness was sex and level of education. While, marital status, income and living with others appeared to be the main factors affecting the feeling of loneliness among non-institutionalized elders.
Recommendation:Educate health care providers and elders’ families in clinical setting either in elderly homes or in outpatient clinics about loneliness, its associated factors and how to prevent its’ occurrence. Also, change elders’ perception about their health through giving examples of productive and healthy life style among elders using different teaching strategies as role models and video films.Encourage elders in both settings to increase their social network through participation in elders’ clubs and volunteer activities available in Dakahlia governorate.Emphasize on the importance of keeping elders in their homes using formal and informal care givers to meet their needs and encourage their visits outside home and contact with others as old friends, relatives and new friends as possible.