scholarly journals 280. TRAJECTORY OF SOCIAL ISOLATION FOLLOWING TOTAL HIP OR KNEE REPLACEMENT: RESULTS FROM THE ENGLISH LONGITUDINAL STUDY OF AGEING

Rheumatology ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 56 (suppl_2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Toby O. Smith ◽  
Jack R. Dainty ◽  
Alex MacGregor
2017 ◽  
Vol 75 (1) ◽  
pp. 114-124 ◽  
Author(s):  
Snorri Bjorn Rafnsson ◽  
Martin Orrell ◽  
Eleonora d’Orsi ◽  
Eef Hogervorst ◽  
Andrew Steptoe

Abstract Objectives Social relationships are important for the maintenance of cognitive function at older ages, with both objective features of social networks and perceived social connections (loneliness) being relevant. There is limited evidence about how different aspects of social experience predict diagnosed dementia. Methods The sample comprised 6,677 dementia-free individuals at baseline (2004) from the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing. Baseline information on loneliness, number of close relationships, marital status, and social isolation (contact with family and friends and participation in organizations) was analyzed in relation to incident dementia over an average 6.25 years using Cox regression, controlling for potential confounding factors. Results Two hundred twenty participants developed dementia during follow-up. In multivariable analyses, dementia risk was positively related to greater loneliness (hazard ratio 1.40, 95% confidence interval 1.09–1.80, p = .008), and inversely associated with number of close relationships (p < .001) and being married (p = .018). Sensitivity analyses testing for reverse causality and different criteria for diagnosing dementia confirmed the robustness of these findings. There was no association with social isolation. Discussion Dementia risk is associated with loneliness and having fewer close relationships in later life. The underlying mechanisms remain to be elucidated, but efforts to enhance older peoples’ relationship quality may be relevant to dementia risk.


2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S190-S191
Author(s):  
Jessica G Abell ◽  
Jessica Abell ◽  
Dorina Cadar ◽  
David J Llewellyn ◽  
Andrew Steptoe

Abstract Globally the numbers of older people who live alone and those who may experience certain risk factors have risen. In this study, we aim to examine associations between social isolation and loneliness with different domains of cognitive impairment. Data are from the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing (ELSA). Social isolation and loneliness were measured in 2012-2013 and cognition in 2017-2018, using the Harmonised Cognitive Assessment Protocol (HCAP) in 1,200 men and women aged ≥65 years. General cognitive impairment was measured using the Mini-Mental Status Examination (MMSE); memory was assessed using the CERAD word list, attention & speed using the Symbol-Digit Modalities Test and executive function by a number series test. Loneliness, measured using the UCLA scale, was associated with a higher risk of neurocognitive impairment (MMSE<24), lower memory scores, poorer attention and executive function. However, social isolation was only found only to be associated with lower levels of memory.


2021 ◽  
Vol 50 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. i7-i11
Author(s):  
K Davies ◽  
A Maharani ◽  
T Chandola ◽  
C Todd ◽  
N Pendleton

Abstract Introduction Ten percent of over 65 s and between a quarter and half of over 85 s are frail. Loneliness and social isolation are associated with increased falls, rates of hospitalisation and mortality. Lonely and socially isolated older adults may also be at risk of frailty. We examined the relationship between loneliness, social isolation and incident frailty among older adults in England longitudinally over 12 years. Methods The study sample are 9,171 older adults aged ≥50 years participating in a population representative longitudinal panel survey, the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing Waves 2–8. To define frailty across the biannual waves, we used the Frailty Index (FI), analysed continuously and into categories (FI ≤0.08 non-frail, 0.08–0.25 pre-frail and ≥ 0.25–1 frail). We used baseline (Wave 2): loneliness measure using the UCLA 3-item loneliness scale; social isolation measure using previously reported method (Banks et al. The Institute for Fiscal Studies. 2006.). Both were categorised into low/medium/high. To examine relationships, we used linear mixed methods modelling (for the continuous FI), and Cox proportional hazard model (for the categorical FI). Results Loneliness (β = 0.023; 95% CI = 0.022, 0.025) and social isolation (β = 0.007; 95% CI = 0.003, 0.010) were significantly associated with increased FI, after adjusting for cofounders (gender, age, marital status, smoking status and wealth). There was a 60% greater relative risk of belonging to the frail class with a medium loneliness score compared to low (HR = 1.570; 95% CI 1.492, 1.652) and a 160% greater relative risk with high loneliness score compared to low (HR = 2.621; 95% CI 2.488, 2.761). Although less pronounced, there was a 1% greater relative risk of developing frailty with a medium social isolation score compared to low (HR = 1.010, 95% CI 1.010, 1.197) and a 30% greater relative risk with high social isolation score compared to low (HR = 1.267; 95% CI 1.154, 1.390). Conclusions Our research indicates both loneliness and social isolation increase risk of developing frailty, expanding on previous evidence. This provides further support to the importance of understanding approaches to promote social inclusion of older adults.


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