Loneliness and Social Isolation in the COVID Era
Author Information
Author(s): Cunningham Solveig, Hale Jo
Primary Institution: Emory University
Hypothesis
The study examines the relationship between social isolation and loneliness among U.S. older adults during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Conclusion
Loneliness and social isolation are related but not fully overlapping, and their impacts on older adults' wellbeing should be considered separately.
Supporting Evidence
- One in 5 older adults (22.5%) report an increase in loneliness during the pandemic.
- Those who were severely socially isolated had double the odds of feeling lonely.
- Prior to the pandemic, one third of older adults experienced loneliness at least on some days.
Takeaway
Older people felt lonelier during the pandemic, but being alone doesn't always mean feeling lonely.
Methodology
Data were analyzed from the National Health and Aging Trends Survey (NHATS) representative of the age 70+ Medicare beneficiary population in the U.S.
Limitations
The relationship between social isolation and loneliness may be influenced by other social and demographic factors.
Participant Demographics
U.S. older adults aged 70 and above.
Statistical Information
Confidence Interval
95% CI: 20.0, 25.0
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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