Paradox of Time Spent Alone: Conditional Solitude In Older Adulthood

Older adulthood is associated with both loneliness and positive solitude. Analysis of interviews with 20 older adults (M_age = 82.45) yielded eleven themes; Conditional Solitude was identified as a novel concept. Healthy solitude was contingent upon the availability of close relationships, underscoring the importance of both self-determination and attachment.