Long-Term Effects of Early Sensory Impairments on Later-Life Disability and Loneliness
Author Information
Author(s): Kim Eunbea, Lee Gina, Martin Peter, Lee JeongEun
Primary Institution: Iowa State University
Hypothesis
Childhood sensory impairments affect physical disability and loneliness in later life, mediated by parental relationships and moderated by socioeconomic factors.
Conclusion
Childhood vision impairment leads to increased physical disability and loneliness in later life, while early hearing impairment is linked to greater loneliness, influenced by parental relationships.
Supporting Evidence
- Childhood vision impairment is associated with higher late-life physical disability and loneliness.
- Childhood hearing impairment is linked to greater loneliness in older adulthood.
- Higher childhood family income and parental education can lessen the negative impact of poor parental relationships on loneliness.
Takeaway
If kids have trouble seeing or hearing, it can make them feel lonely and have a harder time when they grow up, especially if their parents had a good relationship with them.
Methodology
Data from the Health and Retirement Study was analyzed using path analyses in R.
Participant Demographics
Participants had a mean age of 71.47 years.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website