Solo and Satisfied? Investigating Daily Solitude Experiences in Older Age

Solitude (the objective state of being alone without social interaction) can have both negative and positive implications for wellbeing in older age. This study examined (1) whether changes in older adults’ day-to-day time spent in solitude were associated with positive affect and sense of purpose, and (2) whether such associations were moderated by interindividual difference factors. Using online daily assessments conducted every evening for 10 consecutive days ( N  = 189, ages: 64–84 years), we examined the moderating roles of future time perspective, control beliefs, and educational attainment on the relationship between daily solitude and daily wellbeing. Multilevel analysis revealed that on days when people spent greater-than-usual time alone, they reported lower positive affect and lower sense of purpose. No moderating effects were found for future time perspective or control beliefs on the relationships between daily solitude and positive wellbeing. Participants with greater educational attainment reported lower positive affect when spending more time alone than average. Our findings provide evidence that wellbeing tends to be lower on days when older adults spend more time alone, supporting the importance of social context as a conduit to daily wellbeing experiences in later life.