RISK AND PROTECTIVE FACTORS FOR INCREASING ISOLATION AND LONELINESS AMONG OLDER ADULTS
2024
Factors Affecting Isolation and Loneliness in Older Adults
Sample size: 1474
publication
Evidence: moderate
Author Information
Author(s): Hughes Tiffany, Fang Fang, Wang Yueting, Jacobsen Erin
Hypothesis
What factors are associated with changes in isolation and loneliness among older adults over time?
Conclusion
The study found distinct patterns of change in isolation and loneliness among older adults, influenced by various demographic and health factors.
Supporting Evidence
- Participants who smoked, drank alcohol, were physically active, had hypertension, used a computer, and were not obese were less likely to experience quickly increasing isolation.
- Those with higher baseline isolation and loneliness, who lived alone, were obese, and rated their health as very good or excellent were more likely to experience increasing loneliness.
Takeaway
This study looked at how older people feel alone or lonely over time and what might make them feel that way.
Methodology
The study used trajectory analyses and multinomial logistic regression to examine patterns of change in isolation and loneliness.
Participant Demographics
Cognitively normal older adults followed for up to 12 years.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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