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Sammanfattning

Loneliness is a complex and subjective phenomenon that is part of being alive. For some people loneliness is experienced as highly aversive. Thus, it is a risk factor for health problems and impaired quality of life. It is a widespread belief that loneliness is prevalent in modern individualistic societies, in particular among older adults. The purpose of this article is to shed light on and challenge this commonly held age stereotype. By presenting a selected sample of studies, it will suggest that persistent loneliness is a minor problem among older Norwegians and the elderly populations in most North and Western European countries. Contrary to the generally accepted belief, the prevalence of loneliness has been consistent over the past six decades.

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