scholarly journals Social Isolation as a Risk Factor for Cigarette Smoking in Older Adults

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 122-122
Author(s):  
Gilbert Gimm ◽  
Mary Lou Pomeroy ◽  
Thomas Cudjoe
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Risk Factor ◽  
Cigarette Smoking ◽  
Social Isolation ◽  
National Sample ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Dual Eligible ◽  
Socially Isolated ◽  
Using Data

Abstract Objective This study examined the prevalence of social isolation and cigarette smoking in a national sample of community-dwelling older adults, and assessed the role of social isolation on the risk of cigarette smoking. Methods Using data from 8,044 participants (age 65+ years) across two waves of the National Health and Aging Trends Study (NHATS), we analyzed the prevalence of social isolation in older adults and as a risk factor for cigarette smoking. Social isolation was measured across 4 relationship domains (Cudjoe, 2018) on a scale of 0 to 4, using objective measures of social interactions. Descriptive and logistic regression analyses were conducted to assess how social isolation is associated with smoking. Results Preliminary results showed that 18.2% of older adults were socially isolated (3.5% severely isolated) and 7.1% of participants reported current smoking. We found that both social isolation (OR = 2.5, p<.001) and severe isolation (OR = 5.9, p<.001) increased the odds of smoking. Also, older adults with depression (OR = 1.6, p<.01) and dual-eligible beneficiaries (Medicare and Medicaid) with TRICARE coverage (OR = 4.6, p<.05) had greater odds of smoking. However, we did not find evidence that the odds of smoking varied significantly by the number of chronic conditions. Conclusion Social isolation is associated with an increased risk of cigarette smoking among older adults. Smoking may be an important behavior in the pathway between social isolation and its association with morbidity and mortality.

scholarly journals HEARING LOSS AND SOCIAL ISOLATION: THE ROLE OF NEIGHBORHOOD SOCIAL COHESION AND DISORDER

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S954-S954
Author(s):  
Sol Baik ◽  
Amanda Lehning
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Hearing Loss ◽  
Social Isolation ◽  
Social Cohesion ◽  
Protective Factor ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Random Coefficient ◽  
Neighborhood Social Cohesion ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Socially Isolated

Abstract Social isolation is a critical public health issue that socially isolated individuals are at increased risk for mortality and deteriorated health. Those who acquire hearing loss in later life experience difficulties with communication, potentially leading to social isolation. However, less is known about the social consequences of age-related hearing loss, and few studies have assessed the influence of environmental factors on hearing loss and social isolation. The aims of this study are to examine: (1) the association between hearing loss and social isolation of older adults over time, and (2) the moderating effects of perceived neighborhood social cohesion and disorder on this relationship. We analyzed 2,080 community-dwelling Medicare beneficiaries aged 65 or above from Round 1 to 3 of National Health and Aging Trends Study. We conducted random coefficient models, entering hearing loss as a random coefficient. Older adults with hearing loss were less socially isolated than those without hearing loss. However, the effect of hearing loss on social isolation varied depending on perceived neighborhood social cohesion. Older adults with hearing loss who reported high neighborhood cohesion had significantly lower social isolation compared to those without hearing loss, while those with hearing loss who perceived low social cohesion had significantly higher social isolation. Our findings suggest neighborhood social cohesion can serve as a potential protective factor for older adults with hearing loss. This poster will propose neighborhood-level interventions that could supplement other services for those with hearing loss, such as assistive devices that are rarely covered by health insurance.

scholarly journals Changes in Health Behaviors, Mental and Physical Health among Older Adults under Severe Lockdown Restrictions during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Spain

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (13) ◽  
pp. 7067
Author(s):  
Esther García-Esquinas ◽  
Rosario Ortolá ◽  
Iago Gine-Vázquez ◽  
José A. Carnicero ◽  
Asier Mañas ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Physical Activity ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Social Isolation ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Housing Conditions ◽  
Older Individuals ◽  
Lifestyle Risk Factors ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Lifestyle Risk

We used data from 3041 participants in four cohorts of community-dwelling individuals aged ≥65 years in Spain collected through a pre-pandemic face-to-face interview and a telephone interview conducted between weeks 7 to 15 after the beginning of the COVID-19 lockdown. On average, the confinement was not associated with a deterioration in lifestyle risk factors (smoking, alcohol intake, diet, or weight), except for a decreased physical activity and increased sedentary time, which reversed with the end of confinement. However, chronic pain worsened, and moderate declines in mental health, that did not seem to reverse after restrictions were lifted, were observed. Males, older adults with greater social isolation or greater feelings of loneliness, those with poorer housing conditions, as well as those with a higher prevalence of chronic morbidities were at increased risk of developing unhealthier lifestyles or mental health declines with confinement. On the other hand, previously having a greater adherence to the Mediterranean diet and doing more physical activity protected older adults from developing unhealthier lifestyles with confinement. If another lockdown were imposed during this or future pandemics, public health programs should specially address the needs of older individuals with male sex, greater social isolation, sub-optimal housing conditions, and chronic morbidities because of their greater vulnerability to the enacted movement restrictions.

scholarly journals Social Isolation and Hospitalization Risk Factors Among Community-Dwelling Older Adults

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 95-95
Author(s):  
J Mary Louise Pomeroy ◽  
Gilbert Gimm
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Risk Factors ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Social Isolation ◽  
The United States ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Psychosocial Risk ◽  
Depression And Anxiety ◽  
Socially Isolated ◽  
Community Dwelling Older Adults

Abstract PURPOSE: This study examines psychosocial risk factors associated with hospitalization among community-dwelling older adults in the United States. METHODS: Using two waves of the National Health and Aging Trends Study from 2011 and 2015, we conducted descriptive and multivariate analyses of individual-level data from a nationally representative sample of 8,003 Medicare beneficiaries ages 65 and older. Associations between hospitalization and risk factors including social isolation, depression, and anxiety were assessed. Covariates included gender, race/ethnicity, age, region, insurance type, falls, and comorbidities. RESULTS: Overall, about 20.9% of older adults reported a hospitalization within the past year and 22.2% were socially isolated. The odds of hospitalization were higher for socially isolated adults (OR 1.17; p = .02), for depressed adults (OR 1.25; p = .01), and for individuals with anxiety (OR 1.25; p = .02). Individuals living in the Western region had lower odds of hospitalization (OR 0.71; p = .001), whereas men (OR 1.13; p = .03), those requiring assistance with activities of daily living (OR 1.48; p < .001), and those having one (OR 1.41; p = .03) or more (OR 3.05; p < .001) chronic health conditions had higher odds of hospitalization. CONCLUSION: Social isolation, depression, and anxiety represent significant psychosocial risk factors for hospitalization among community-dwelling older adults in the United States. Efforts to reduce health care costs and improve health outcomes for older adults should explore ways to strengthen social integration and improve mental health.

scholarly journals Intergenerational Practice in the Community—What Does the Community Think?

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (10) ◽  
pp. 374
Author(s):  
Gail Kenning ◽  
Nicole Ee ◽  
Ying Xu ◽  
Billy L. Luu ◽  
Stephanie A. Ward ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Young Children ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Intergenerational Programs ◽  
Cognitive Limitations ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Socially Isolated ◽  
The Many

The many changes that occur in the lives of older people put them at an increased risk of being socially isolated and lonely. Intergenerational programs for older adults and young children can potentially address this shortfall, because of the perceived benefit from generations interacting. This study explores whether there is an appetite in the community for intergenerational programs for community dwelling older adults. An online survey was distributed via social media, research team networks, and snowballing recruitment with access provided via QR code or hyperlink. Semi-structured interviews were undertaken with potential participants of a pilot intergenerational program planned for the Eastern Suburbs of Sydney, Australia in 2020. The interviews were thematically analyzed. Over 250 people completed the survey, and 21 interviews took place with older adults (10) and parents of young children (11). The data showed that participants were all in favor of intergenerational programs, but there were different perceptions about who benefits most and how. The study highlighted considerations to be addressed in the development of effective and sustainable intergenerational programs. For example, accessing people in the community who are most socially isolated and lonely was identified as a primary challenge. More evidence-based research is needed to support involvement of different cohorts, such as those who are frail, or living with physical or cognitive limitations.

scholarly journals Stress and Adjustment During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Qualitative Study on the Lived Experience of Older Adults

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alexandra J. Jasmine Fiocco ◽  
Charlie Gryspeerdt ◽  
Giselle Franco
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Lived Experience ◽  
Social Isolation ◽  
Independent Living ◽  
Living Arrangement ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Behavioral Strategies ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Community Dwelling Older Adults

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, social distancing measures were put into place to flatten the pandemic curve. It was projected older adults were at increased risk for poor psychological and health outcomes resulting from increased social isolation and loneliness. However, little re-search has supported this projection among community-dwelling older adults. While growing body of research has examined the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on older adults, there is a paucity of qualitative research that captures the lived experience of community-dwelling older adults. The current study aimed to better understand the lived experience of community-dwelling older adults during the first six months of the pandemic. Semi-structured one on one interviews were conducting with independent living older adults aged 65 years and older. After achieving saturation, 22 interview were analyzed using inductive thematic analysis. Following a recursive process, two overarching themes emerged from the data: perceived threat and challenges of the pandemic and coping with the pandemic. Specifically, participants reflected on the threat of contracting the virus and challenges associated with living arrangement, social isolation, and financial insecurity. Participants shared their coping strategies to maintain health and wellbeing, including behavioral strategies, emotion-focused strategies, and social support. Overall, this re-search highlights resilience among older adults during the first six months of the pandemic.

scholarly journals Stress and Adjustment during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Qualitative Study on the Lived Experience of Canadian Older Adults

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (24) ◽  
pp. 12922
Author(s):  
Alexandra J. Fiocco ◽  
Charlie Gryspeerdt ◽  
Giselle Franco
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Lived Experience ◽  
Social Isolation ◽  
Living Arrangements ◽  
Independent Living ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Behavioral Strategies ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Community Dwelling Older Adults

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, social distancing measures were put into place to flatten the pandemic curve. It was projected that older adults were at increased risk for poor psychological and health outcomes resulting from increased social isolation and loneliness. However, little research has supported this projection among community-dwelling older adults. While a growing body of research has examined the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on older adults, there is a paucity of qualitative research that captures the lived experience of community-dwelling older adults in Canada. The current study aimed to better understand the lived experience of community-dwelling older adults during the first six months of the pandemic in Ontario, Canada. Semi-structured one-on-one interviews were conducted with independent-living older adults aged 65 years and older. A total of 22 interviews were analyzed using inductive thematic analysis. Following a recursive process, two overarching themes were identified: perceived threat and challenges of the pandemic, and coping with the pandemic. Specifically, participants reflected on the threat of contracting the virus and challenges associated with living arrangements, social isolation, and financial insecurity. Participants shared their coping strategies to maintain health and wellbeing, including behavioral strategies, emotion-focused strategies, and social support. Overall, this research highlights resilience among older adults during the first six months of the pandemic.

scholarly journals Associations of Loneliness and Social Isolation with Healthspan and Lifespan in the US Health and Retirement Study

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christopher L Crowe ◽  
Benjamin W Domingue ◽  
Gloria Hu ◽  
Katherine M Keyes ◽  
Dayoon Kwon ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Social Isolation ◽  
Healthy Aging ◽  
National Sample ◽  
Biological Aging ◽  
Health And Retirement Study ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
The Us ◽  
Retirement Study

Background. Loneliness and social isolation are emerging public health challenges for aging populations. Methods. We followed N=11,305 US Health and Retirement Study (HRS) participants aged 50-95 from 2006-2014 to measure persistence of exposure to loneliness and social isolation. We tested associations of longitudinal loneliness and social-isolation phenotypes with disability, morbidity, mortality, and biological aging through 2018. Results. During follow-up, 18% of older adults met criteria for loneliness and, for 6%, symptoms persisted across two or more follow-up assessments. For social isolation, these fractions were 21% and 8%. HRS participants who experienced loneliness and social isolation were at increased risk for disease, disability, and mortality. Older adults experiencing persistent loneliness were at a 59% increased hazard of mortality compared to those who were never lonely. For social isolation, the increase was 28%. Effect-sizes were somewhat larger for counts of prevalent activity limitations and somewhat smaller for counts of prevalent chronic diseases. Covariate adjustment for socioeconomic and psychological risks attenuated but did not fully explain associations. Older adults who experienced loneliness and social isolation also exhibited physiological indications of advanced biological aging (Cohen's-d for persistent loneliness and social isolation=0.26 and 0.21, respectively). For loneliness, but not social isolation, persistence of symptoms was associated with increased risk. Conclusion. Deficits in social connectedness prevalent in a national sample of older adults in the US were associated with morbidity, disability, and mortality and with more advanced biological aging. Bolstering social connection to interrupt experiences of loneliness may promote healthy aging.

scholarly journals Social Isolation, Depression, and Psychological Distress Among Older Adults

2016 ◽  
Vol 30 (2) ◽  
pp. 229-246 ◽  
Author(s):  
Harry Owen Taylor ◽  
Robert Joseph Taylor ◽  
Ann W. Nguyen ◽  
Linda Chatters
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Psychological Distress ◽  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Social Isolation ◽  
Extended Family ◽  
National Sample ◽  
Epidemiologic Studies ◽  
Socially Isolated ◽  
Older Populations ◽  
The Impact

Objective: To investigate the impact of objective and subjective social isolation from extended family members and friends on depressive symptoms and psychological distress among a national sample of older adults. Method: Data for older adults (55 years and above) from the National Survey of American Life ( N = 1,439) were used to assess level of objective social isolation and subjective social isolation and to test regression models examining their impact on depressive symptoms (Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression [CES-D] Scale) and psychological distress (Kessler 6 [K6] Scale). Results: The majority of respondents were not socially isolated from family or friends; 5% were objectively isolated from family and friends, and less than 1% were subjectively isolated from family and friends. Regression analyses using both social isolation measures indicated that objective social isolation was unrelated to depressive symptoms and psychological distress. However, subjective social isolation from both family and friends and from friends only was associated with more depressive symptoms, and subjective social isolation from friends only was associated with higher levels of psychological distress. Discussion: Assessments of social isolation among older populations should account for both subjective and objective dimensions, as well as both family and friend social networks. Social isolation from friends is an important, but understudied, issue that has significant consequences for older adult mental health.

scholarly journals Loneliness and social isolation is associated with sleep problems among older community dwelling women and men with complex needs

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Laurie McLay ◽  
Hamish A. Jamieson ◽  
Karyn G. France ◽  
Philip J. Schluter
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Social Isolation ◽  
Sleep Problems ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
National Database ◽  
Longitudinal Analyses ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Insufficient Sleep ◽  
Complex Needs ◽  
Socially Isolated

AbstractSleep problems, loneliness and social isolation often increase with age, significantly impacting older adults’ health and wellbeing. Yet general population health empirical evidence is surprisingly scant. Using the largest national database to date, cross-sectional and longitudinal analyses was undertaken on 140,423 assessments from 95,045 (women: 61.0%) community living older adults aged ≥ 65 years having standardised home care assessments between 1 July 2012 and 31 May 2018 to establish the prevalence and relationships between insufficient sleep, excessive sleep, loneliness and social isolation. At first assessment, insufficient sleep (women: 12.4%, men: 12.7%) was more commonly reported than excessive sleep (women: 4.7%, men: 7.6%). Overall, 23.6% of women and 18.9% of men reported feeling lonely, while 53.8% women and 33.8% men were living alone. In adjusted longitudinal analyses, those who were lonely and socially isolated were more likely to experience insufficient sleep. Respondents with excessive sleep were more likely to live with others. Both loneliness and social isolation contributed to insufficient sleep, synergistically. Loneliness, social isolation and health-concerns may affect the restorative properties of sleep over and above the effects of ageing. Further research is warranted.

scholarly journals Sleep Disturbance and Dementia Risk: Findings From 8 Years of Prospective Data

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 59-59
Author(s):  
Roger Wong
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Sleep Disturbances ◽  
National Sample ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Sampling Weights ◽  
Prospective Data ◽  
Dementia Risk ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Falling Asleep ◽  
Waking Up

Abstract Recent evidence indicates sleep disturbances increase dementia risk. Despite extensive support for this finding, numerous studies are based on cross-sectional data and no research has examined this relationship using a national sample. The purpose of this study was to analyze how sleep disturbances are associated with dementia risk. This study used eight annual waves (2011-2018) of prospective data from the National Health and Aging Trends Study, a large nationally representative U.S. sample of older adults. At each wave, sleep disturbances were measured as: 1) trouble falling asleep in 30 minutes, 2) trouble falling asleep after waking up early, and 3) taking medication to help sleep. The dependent variable was number of years to a new dementia diagnosis. Multivariate analyses were conducted using the Cox proportional hazards model with survey sampling weights applied for a national sample of 6,800 community-dwelling older adults dementia-free at baseline. After controlling for sociodemographics (age, sex, race, education, etc.) and health (mental health, physical health, chronic disease, etc.), trouble falling asleep in 30 minutes was not associated with dementia risk, (Hazard Ratio [HR]=1.01, p=.98), however, trouble falling asleep after waking up significantly decreased risk (HR=0.40, p<.01), and taking sleep medications significantly increased risk (HR=1.72, p<.01). Our findings suggest mixed evidence on how sleep disturbances are associated with dementia risk, but needing sleep medications may be predictive of elevated dementia risk. Future research should explore pathways or behaviors that may decrease dementia risk among individuals who wake up at night, but have trouble falling back to sleep.

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