CONNECTED YET VULNERABLE: SOCIAL ISOLATION PROFILES AND MENTAL HEALTH AMONG OLDER ADULTS WITH LOW SES
2024

Social Isolation and Mental Health in Older Adults

Sample size: 881 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Sung Pildoo, Lee June, Chan Angelique

Primary Institution: Hanyang University, Seoul, Republic of Korea; Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore

Hypothesis

How do social isolation profiles affect mental health among older adults with low socioeconomic status?

Conclusion

The study found that older adults with moderate loneliness and connection are at higher risk for depression, especially under stress.

Supporting Evidence

  • Four distinct social isolation profiles were identified among older adults.
  • Older adults in certain profiles reported poorer mental health.
  • Moderately connected and lonely older adults are at higher risk of depression under stress.

Takeaway

This study shows that older people who feel a little lonely but are somewhat connected still need help because they can get very sad when life gets tough.

Methodology

Latent class analysis and multivariable regression were used to analyze data collected from older adults.

Participant Demographics

Older adults aged 55 and above with low socioeconomic status living in small rental housing.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1093/geroni/igae098.2535

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