Paul Matteson: The Cause Of Loneliness In The Older Adults

Review of Literature
Eighty-nine- year- old Paul Matteson was a dedicated and beloved member of his Michigan community. He was known for his generosity and willingness to assist those in need. In late 2012, Matteson committed suicide, shocking his family and friends. Reporter Danielle Salisbury investigated the cause of the suicide and concluded that Matteson killed himself because he felt socially isolated. A few years prior to Matteson’s death, his wife of 62 years was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. Once a friendly, social and independent woman, Mary Jean Matteson began to lose her mental capabilities and became unable to maintain meaningful relationships with others. Matteson assumed total care of his wife and he outwardly maintained his happy and

One common cause of loneliness in the aging adult is hearing loss. According to the Hearing Loss Association of America, one-third of seniors have some level of adult-onset hearing loss, or presbycusis (Hearing Loss Association of America). Loss of hearing can be a struggle for older adults because it greatly impairs their ability to communicate with others. The embarrassment and frustration that accompanies impaired communication may lead to isolation to avoid using their hearing at all. Others suffering from presbycusis may resort to other unhealthy behaviors such as blaming others for their hearing loss or bluffing, pretending that they can hear people when they really cannot. Whether or not they display any of these behaviors, hearing loss is usually accompanied by feelings of social disconnectedness and loneliness. Researchers have found that hearing aids are the best solution for those with presbycusis, and studies indicate that the use of hearing aids reduces feelings of loneliness in those with adult-onset hearing loss (Ciorba, Bianchini, Pelucchi, & Pastore,