scholarly journals Social Isolation and Well-Being Among Middle-Age and Older Adults: Before and During the COVID-19 Outbreak

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 38-38
Author(s):  
Lydia Li
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Social Isolation ◽  
Social Connectedness ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Symptoms Of Depression ◽  
Physical Isolation ◽  
Multiple Dimensions ◽  
Aging And Health ◽  
Socially Isolated ◽  
The Relationship

Abstract This symposium brings together five studies that examined the relationship between social isolation and well-being. Two used pre-COVID data from the Health and Retirement Study (HRS). One aimed to identify patterns of social isolation trajectory in a 9-year period, where social isolation was conceptualized as a multidimensional construct. It identified four distinct patterns, and the pattern had a gradient relationship with health outcomes. Another examined the association between self-perceptions of aging (SPA) and social well-being among older adults. It found that positive SPA predicted increased social connectedness and reduced loneliness in four years. Two other studies were based on a longitudinal survey (COVID-19 Coping Survey) that began in April 2020. One reports that adults 55+ with comorbidity at pandemic onset had persistently elevated depressive symptoms in a 6-month period, regardless of their social isolation level. Another paper suggests that physical isolation at pandemic onset was associated with elevated symptoms of depression, anxiety, and loneliness throughout the following six months. The fifth paper was based on two-wave data—2019 survey and 2020 COVID supplement—from the National Aging and Health Trend Study (NAHTS). It found that older adults who were very socially isolated and completely homebound before the pandemic experienced less psychological distress during the outbreak than those who were very socially integrated and not homebound. The five studies highlight the multiple dimensions of social isolation, their antecedents and development over time, and their role in shaping mental health in a pandemic context.

scholarly journals Social Isolation and Healthcare Utilization Among Older Adults Living in Subsidized Housing

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 136-136
Author(s):  
Thomas Cudjoe ◽  
Laura Prichett ◽  
Katherine Runge ◽  
Laura Andes ◽  
Carl Latkin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Social Isolation ◽  
Healthcare Utilization ◽  
Social Connectedness ◽  
Subsidized Housing ◽  
Multiple Chronic Conditions ◽  
Non Profit ◽  
Socially Isolated ◽  
Home Placement ◽  
The Relationship

Abstract Older adults living in subsidized housing are often at high risk for having multiple chronic conditions and nursing home placement. Previous studies in this population have not examined the relationship between social isolation and healthcare utilization. We examine this using Lubben Social Network Scale-6 and self-reported healthcare utilization. Utilizing data from a multi-state non-profit subsidized housing provider, we performed descriptive and multivariate analyses on a sample of older adults (N=3,822). Overall, 95 % reported having a checkup within the last 12 months and an average of less than one emergency room visits (mean= 0.58) or hospitalizations (mean= 0.34). In adjusted models, Socially isolated older adults had lower levels of routine checkup (OR=0.50, CI 0.36,0.70) and higher levels of hospitalizations (IRR=1.30, CI 1.10,1.54) compared to older adults who were not socially isolated. Efforts to address healthcare utilization should identify social isolation and explore strategies to promote social connectedness to improve health.

scholarly journals Is Physical Activity Associated With Loneliness or Social Isolation in Older Adults? Results of a Longitudinal Analysis Using the Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing

2020 ◽  
pp. 1-11
Author(s):  
Ilona I. McMullan ◽  
Brendan P. Bunting ◽  
Annette Burns ◽  
Lee Smith ◽  
Connor Cunningham ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Longitudinal Study ◽  
Los Angeles ◽  
Social Isolation ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Longitudinal Association ◽  
Socially Isolated ◽  
The University ◽  
Health And Well Being

Social relationships are central to the health and well-being of older adults. Evidence exploring the association of physical activity (PA) with social isolation and loneliness is limited. This study uses a path analysis to investigate the longitudinal association between loneliness and social isolation with PA using the Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing. Higher levels of social isolation measured using the Berkman–Syme Social Network Index were directly and indirectly associated with lower levels of walking, moderate PA, and vigorous PA over 6 years. Additionally, higher levels of walking were associated with lower levels of loneliness measured using a modified version of the University of California, Los Angeles loneliness scale over a 3-year period. Future interventions should target individuals who are more socially isolated and explore the effects of different types of PA on loneliness over time.

scholarly journals 535 - Loneliness and social isolation in attendees of a Psychiatry of Old Age Service in the North West of Ireland: preliminary findings of a cross-sectional study during the COVID- 19 pandemic.

2021 ◽  
Vol 33 (S1) ◽  
pp. 79-80
Author(s):  
Clodagh Rushe ◽  
Kevin Bernadette ◽  
Ericka Maye ◽  
Sweeney Gavin ◽  
McLaughlin Kevin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Social Isolation ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
North West ◽  
The North ◽  
Socially Isolated ◽  
West Of Ireland

Aims and HypothesisThe primary aim is to establish the prevalence of loneliness and social isolation in older adults referred to a Psychiatry of Old-Age Service in the North-West of Ireland. Secondary aims include exploring associations between loneliness, social isolation and, well-being, depression, cognition and health- status. The overarching aim was to improve patient outcomes by tailoring mental health and social interventions appropriate to patient need.BackgroundLoneliness is a discrepancy between the social-relations one has and their desired level. It is estimated that one third of older adults will experience loneliness, which along with social isolation has links to poorer health-outcomes, reduced quality of life and cognitive decline. Government advice in Ireland to reduce social activity due to COVID-19 pandemic may compound social disconnection. We present preliminary findings of an ongoing study investigating loneliness, social isolation and related factors in older adults referred to a Mental-Health Service in the North-West of Ireland in 2020 - 2021.MethodsUsing a cross-sectional study design, participants completed University of California, Los-Angeles(UCLA) Loneliness Scale (UCLA maximum score =10); and Berkman-Syme Social Network Index. Quality of life is measured using WHO-Well-being Index(WHO-5) with a number of relevant personal, clinical and social factors also captured.ResultsData from 98 questionnaires (January 2020- May 2021), 52% female, showed average participant age was 74.4 years. Average perceived loneliness score was 3.67 and 85.7%, (n=84) reported some loneliness (UCLA >0) with 2% (n=2) reporting high loneliness levels (UCLA =10). The majority, 77.5% (n=76) were socially isolated; 35.7% (n=35) ‘mostly isolated’, 41.8% (n=41) ‘moderately isolated’. Females were noted to be more isolated.ConclusionsPreliminary results illustrate majority of older adults referred to a mental-health service over a time- period spanning COVID-19 pandemic are lonely and socially isolated. This is likely compounded by changes to daily routines during COVID-19 pandemic. This is concerning given the adverse health implications. We hope final results will guide enhancement of clinical-care through linkage of mental- health services with community agencies, social-care supports and e-health technologies.

scholarly journals I-CONECT PROJECT: CAN SOCIAL INTERACTION IMPROVE COGNITIVE FUNCTIONS AMONG SOCIALLY ISOLATED OLDER ADULTS?

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S224-S224
Author(s):  
Hiroko H Dodge ◽  
Karen Hooker ◽  
Toni C Antonucci
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Social Interaction ◽  
Social Isolation ◽  
Cognitive Functions ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Epidemiological Studies ◽  
Video Data ◽  
Protective Effects ◽  
Socially Isolated ◽  
Intervention Trials

Abstract Epidemiological studies have demonstrated that larger social networks or more frequent social interactions may have protective effects against cognitive decline and the incidence of dementia. Therefore, increasing social interaction could be a promising intervention for improving cognitive well-being in socially isolated older adults. We have conducted multiple NIH-funded randomized controlled trials (RCT) over 10 years, examining whether conversational interactions through webcam and internet can improve cognitive functions and enhance cognitive reserve. In this symposium, we will introduce this series of behavioral intervention trials through 4 presentations. First, Dodge will provide background and results of their previous RCT where they showed efficacy of conversational intervention on domain-specific cognitive functions and introduce the ongoing larger project called I-CONECT (https://www.i-conect.org). Second, Lindsey will introduce technological innovations used in the I-CONECT project including development of user-friendly video-chat devices, recording of audio and video data and innovative recruitment efforts. Third, Asgari will share results on how speech utterance and characteristics collected through the project could distinguish those with mild cognitive impairment from those with normal cognition using machine learning modelling approaches. Finally, Cerino and his team will show results of the study which examined whether cognitive improvements through conversation-based intervention depend on an individual’s personality, laying the groundwork for a personalized intervention trial in the future. The symposium is of interest for those who study social isolation and its prevention, the link among cognition, social isolation and personality, as well as those who focus on technology as a tool for improving well-being of older adults.

scholarly journals The Effects of Pet Ownership on Psychological Well-Being Among Socially Isolated Older Adults

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 322-323
Author(s):  
Tomoko Ikeuchi ◽  
Takumi Abe ◽  
Yu Taniguchi ◽  
Satoshi Seino ◽  
Yui Tomine ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Social Isolation ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Mediating Effect ◽  
Pet Ownership ◽  
Psychological Well Being ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
Dog Ownership ◽  
Socially Isolated

Abstract Accumulating evidence suggests that pet ownership associates with positive psychological outcomes (i.e., less loneliness, lower depression, etc.) in older adults. Yet, the role of pet ownership in psychological well-being (PWB) of socially isolated older adults is not fully explored. In this study, we hypothesized that pet (i.e., dog or cat) ownership would have positive effects on PWB among socially isolated older adults. The study used cross-sectional data of 9875 community-dwelling older adults collected in 2016 in a metropolitan area of Japan. Overall, 2841 (28.8%) participants were socially isolated (i.e., having social interactions with others less than once a week). Stratified by dog and cat ownership, 3143 (31.8%) were current or previous dog owners, and 1724 (17.5%) were current or previous cat owners. PWB was dichotomized using a score of the WHO-5 Well-Being Index, and 2730 (27.6%) were identified as low levels of PWB. Logistic regression models, adjusted for demographic confounders, showed that social isolation was associated with lower PWB (OR: 2.39; 95% CI: 2.17, 2.64) and lower odds of having a dog (OR: 0.70; 0.63, 0.77). When social isolation and dog ownership were entered into a model simultaneously as independent variables, dog ownership was associated with greater PWB (OR: 0.90; 0.81, 0.99). There was a significant partial mediating effect of dog ownership found on the association between social isolation and PWB (Sobel test p=.034). No such associations were observed in cat ownership. Our results suggest that having a dog may be effective for increasing PWB for socially isolated older adults.

scholarly journals Social Isolation, Depressive Symptoms and Perceived Neighborhood Environment of Older Adults During COVID-19

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 727-727
Author(s):  
Ke Li ◽  
Fengyan Tang
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Social Isolation ◽  
Social Cohesion ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Neighborhood Environment ◽  
Physical Disorder ◽  
Negative Effects ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Perceived Neighborhood Environment

Abstract Social isolation has been recognized as a social problem with negative effects on psychological well-being. Older adults are disproportionately affected by social isolation during the COVID-19 pandemic. Using data from the 2020 Health and Retirement Study COVID-19 Project, this study examined the relationship between social isolation and depressive symptoms among two groups of respondents differentiated by whether themselves or their social relationships were diagnosed with COVID-19. This study also explored the moderating role of perceived neighborhood environment. Depressive symptoms were measured using the eight-item CES-D. The index of social isolation was generated using five indicators, including living alone, no social participation, and less than monthly contact with children, family members, and friends. The moderator assessed two aspects of the neighborhood environment, including physical disorder and social cohesion. The results of bivariate analyses showed that respondents who were affected by COVID-19 were younger, more likely to be female, Hispanic, and Non-Hispanic Black, and with lower levels of social isolation. The results of multiple regression analyses indicated that social isolation was associated with more depressive symptoms, but this relationship was found to be only significant among respondents who were affected by COVID-19. Perceived neighborhood environment significantly moderated the relationship, as the effect of social isolation on depressive symptoms was stronger for respondents with more neighborhood physical disorders and less social cohesion. This study has implications for practice and policy, in that it underscored the importance of enacting strategies to improve the neighborhood environment, particularly for socially isolated older adults during the COVID-19.

scholarly journals Effects of Household Size and Partner Status on Financial Well-Being and Financial Exploitation

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 114-115
Author(s):  
Jessica King McLaughlin ◽  
Elizabeth Anderson ◽  
Ashley Taeckens-Seabaugh ◽  
Jennifer Greenfield ◽  
Eric Chess ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Social Isolation ◽  
Significant Risk ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Negative Effects ◽  
Chi Square ◽  
Partner Status ◽  
Financial Exploitation ◽  
Socially Isolated

Abstract Social isolation and loneliness are significant risk factors for older adults (adults over the age of 50) for a multitude of reasons. This study explored the connections between social isolation, vulnerability to financial exploitation, and financial wellbeing in a sample of older adults. Using the concept of precarity as a guiding framework, this study assessed behaviors that expose individuals to financial exploitation as well as indicators of financial wellbeing in individuals with varying degrees of social isolation. One-hundred-eight community-dwelling older adults completed a pen-and-paper survey containing measures of risk to financial exploitation and financial wellbeing. Participants were predominantly female (75.9%), White (90.7%), and highly educated. Fifty-eight participants were unpartnered (53.7%) and 67 participants (62%) lived with at least one other person. Chi-square analyses resulted in a significant association between partner status and being a victim of financial exploitation (χ2(1) = 10.842, p≤.001). Furthermore, there was an association between social isolation and engaging in certain behaviors that put someone at risk for financial exploitation (such as reading junk mail). As for measures of financial wellbeing, partner status was significantly associated with feelings of financial freedom (χ2(3) =8.608, p =.035). These findings indicate that socially isolated individuals may be at greater risk of financial exploitation and have lower levels of financial wellbeing, such as feeling unprepared for retirement (χ2(2) =7.358, p =.025). The results of this study highlight the risks involved with social isolation and indicate further research is needed into ways to mitigate these negative effects.

scholarly journals AGING STRONG 2020: INTERVENTIONS TO IMPROVE LONELINESS AMONG OLDER ADULTS

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S184-S184
Author(s):  
Charlotte Yeh ◽  
Daniel Russell ◽  
James Schaeffer
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
New York ◽  
Successful Aging ◽  
Social Connectedness ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Insurance Company ◽  
Holistic Model ◽  
Self Compassion ◽  
Research Initiative ◽  
Socially Isolated

Abstract Research confirms serious and concerning health implications for lonely and socially isolated older adults. Studies consistently demonstrate that older adults who are lonely or socially isolated have higher rates of depression, more health conditions, and greater mortality. AARP Services, Inc. (ASI) and UnitedHealthcare (UHC) are committed to the health and well-being of insureds in AARP® Medicare Supplement Plans insured by UnitedHealthcare Insurance Company (for New York certificate holders, UnitedHealthcare of New York), recognizing that health and wellness should be promoted on a holistic level to ensure successful aging. As part of this commitment, a research initiative entitled Aging Strong 2020 has been developed. Its purpose is to impact insureds’ personal and social investments in their well-being Thus a related series of interventions are aiming to increase resilience by focusing on enhanced purpose in life, social connectedness, and optimism. This symposium will specifically discuss these efforts related to social connectedness and how they have improved well-being among lonely older adults. First discussed is the prevalence and outcomes of loneliness in a large national survey. Interventions include use of animatronic pets, a telephonic reminiscent memory program, and an online self-compassion mindfulness program. Findings from these initiatives demonstrate that interventions designed to improve loneliness and well-being among lonely older adults can contribute to the holistic model of health.

Addressing COVID-19 Worry and Social Isolation in Home-Based Primary Care

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rachel Elizabeth Weiskittle ◽  
Michelle Mlinac ◽  
LICSW Nicole Downing
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Primary Care ◽  
Social Workers ◽  
Social Isolation ◽  
Mental Health Providers ◽  
Health Providers ◽  
Home Based Primary Care ◽  
Home Based ◽  
Socially Isolated

Social distancing measures following the outbreak of COVID-19 have led to a rapid shift to virtual and telephone care. Social workers and mental health providers in VA home-based primary care (HBPC) teams face challenges providing psychosocial support to their homebound, medically complex, socially isolated patient population who are high risk for poor health outcomes related to COVID-19. We developed and disseminated an 8-week telephone or virtual group intervention for front-line HBPC social workers and mental health providers to use with socially isolated, medically complex older adults. The intervention draws on skills from evidence-based psychotherapies for older adults including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, and Problem-Solving Therapy. The manual was disseminated to VA HBPC clinicians and geriatrics providers across the United States in March 2020 for expeditious implementation. Eighteen HBPC teams and three VA Primary Care teams reported immediate delivery of a local virtual or telephone group using the manual. In this paper we describe the manual’s development and clinical recommendations for its application across geriatric care settings. Future evaluation will identify ways to meet longer-term social isolation and evolving mental health needs for this patient population as the pandemic continues.

scholarly journals Supporting Caregivers of Older Adults Through Education in Mindful Gratitude Practice

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 16-16
Author(s):  
Sungsim Lee
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Negative Impact ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Positive Influence ◽  
Mindfulness Practice ◽  
Practice Research ◽  
Relevant Research ◽  
Won Buddhism ◽  
The Relationship

Abstract This presentation describes a supportive mindfulness practice for caregivers of older adults based on the principles of Won Buddhism (an integrative, a modernized Buddhism). As the aging population grows, there is a significant increase in recognition of the negative impact of caregiver stress on older adults’ quality of life. The ability for caregivers to deal compassionately with stress is essential, as caring for older adults can awaken feelings about one’s own vulnerability and mortality. The ‘Mindful Gratitude Practice’ offers a way to cope with stress, cultivate self-care, and improve the care of others. Relevant research will be summarized, which shows mindfulness and gratitude practice respectively benefit positive influence in both physical and emotional well-being. Mindful Gratitude Practice as a spiritual approach that fosters caregivers' emotional stability, reduces their stress and improves the relationship between older adults and their caregivers. In this presentation, three processes of Mindful Gratitude Practice will be described: 1. Understanding a mindfulness practice by establishing intention, attention, and attitude, 2. Learning the principles of a gratitude practice and implementation, and 3. Incorporating mindfulness into a gratitude practice. Research results have demonstrated that through this learning process, caregivers have acquired the concept of interconnectedness, experience grateful moments, and a deep feeling of appreciation in their caregiving relationships. The presenter will guide participants in a short experience of Mindfulness Gratitude Practice. Further readings and resources will be provided for those who are interested.

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