Geyer, StephanChonody, JillTeater, Barbra2024-07-152024-07-152023-12-04Geyer, S., Chonody, J., & Teater, B. (2023) Locked down in the rainbow nation: alleviating the loneliness of South African older persons. Social Work/Maatskaplike Werk, 59(4), 338–356. https://doi.org/10.15270/59-4-1171.2312-7198 (online)0037-8054 (print)10.15270/59-4-1171http://hdl.handle.net/2263/97024The literature on the biopsychosocial effects of COVID-19 on older persons has originated predominately from the Global North, with a dearth of studies focusing on the loneliness of older persons in the developing world, such as South Africa. This cross-sectional study explored the loneliness of South African older persons (N = 118) before and during COVID-19 to inform gerontological social work. The survey incorporated a standardised scale of loneliness and items to assess the type and quantity of contact with others, physical health, mental health and socio-demographic variables. Bivariate and multivariate analyses explored the factors that contributed to overall loneliness, emotional loneliness and social loneliness. Results indicated a statistically significant increase in social, emotional and overall loneliness from pre- to during COVID-19. Considered from a socio-ecological resilience perspective, gerontological social work services are recommended for alleviating loneliness amongst South African older persons during a pandemic, such as COVID-19.enThis article is published under a Attribution CC BY-4.0 license.Developmental social welfareGerontological social workLonelinessOlder personsSocio-ecological resilienceCOVID-19 pandemicSDG-03: Good health and well-beingSouth Africa (SA)Article