Final answer:
Older adults likely feel less lonely than younger adults because they focus on closer, more meaningful relationships due to socioemotional selectivity theory, combined with having more time after retirement to engage with interests and close connections.
Step-by-step explanation:
The most likely reason that older adults evaluate themselves as less lonely than younger adults is that social connectedness and social support tend to be more focused and meaningful in later life, as per socioemotional selectivity theory. Older adults prioritize significant relationships, leading to a perception of decreased loneliness compared to the broad social networks of younger adults.
With age, people often develop a stronger sense of self and engage in more emotionally satisfying relationships, rather than expanding their social circle. This shift in social engagement is part of a natural progression, where individuals begin to value the quality of their connections over the quantity. Older adults benefit from the relationships they have nurtured over time, finding comfort and satisfaction in fewer but closer friendships. Furthermore, as individuals enter retirement, they have more time to invest in hobbies, grandchildren, and activities that bring joy and reduce feelings of isolation.
Despite potentially facing ageism and stereotypes, as well as the physical challenges that come with aging, many older adults preserve their dignity and self-sufficiency. They tend to adopt positive self-perceptions of aging, which research, such as that by Levy et al. (2002), suggests can lead to increased longevity and overall well-being.