scholarly journals Does obesity lead to loneliness and perceived social isolation in the second half of life? Findings from a nationally representative study in Germany

Author(s):  
André Hajek ◽  
Hans‐Helmut König
2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 407-408
Author(s):  
Abhijit Visaria ◽  
Pildoo Sung ◽  
Angelique W M Chan

Abstract It is well established that a strong social network is an important factor for successful ageing, specifically for promoting and maintaining psychological wellbeing at older ages. Strong social networks are a source of social support especially at a time of need, and can also help older adults remain connected, active, and engaged in group activities. In this study, we seek to better understand the underlying pathways in the relationship between social networks and depressive symptoms, specifically comparing the extent to which the relationship is mediated by the receipt of material/monetary support, relative to perceived social isolation. We use data from the Panel on Health and Aging of Singaporean Elderly, a nationally-representative study of older Singapore citizens and permanent residents aged 60 years and older in 2009 (N=4990), with two follow-up surveys in 2011 (N=3103) and 2015 (N=1572). We conduct cross-lagged mediation analysis, and control for a number of potential confounders including cognitive function, chronic physical ailments, socioeconomic status, and demographic variables such as age, sex, marital status, and family size. Our preliminary analysis shows that a reciprocal relationship between social networks and depressive symptoms is mediated to a larger extent by social isolation compared to weaker social support.


2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 580-580
Author(s):  
Abhijit Visaria ◽  
Pildoo Sung ◽  
Angelique W M Chan

Abstract The expression of loneliness suggests perceived social isolation and the lack of meaningful, rewarding and desired social connections. In this paper we seek to estimate whether loneliness among older adults is related to subsequent changes in two attributes of their social networks, i.e. the size and frequency of contact with network members. We use the Panel on Health and Ageing of Singaporean Elderly, a nationally representative study of older adults aged 60 years and older, conducted in 2009 (N=4990) with two follow-up waves in 2011 and 2015, and measure loneliness in terms of relational connectedness, i.e. feeling a lack of companionship, and social connectedness, i.e. feeling left out. Our preliminary analysis shows that loneliness is associated with a subsequent reduction in the size but not strength of social networks. We further propose to assess the causal relationship using cross-lagged panel analysis, thereby accounting for the possibility of a reciprocal relationship.


Author(s):  
André Hajek ◽  
Hans-Helmut König

The aim was to examine the association between oral health-related quality of life and loneliness and perceived as well as objective social isolation. Data were used from a nationally representative survey with n = 3075 (late Summer 2021). The established Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-G5) was used to quantify oral health-related quality of life. Moreover, established tools were used to quantify the outcome measures (De Jong Gierveld loneliness scale, Bude/Lantermann scale and Lubben Social Network Scale). It was adjusted for several covariates in regression analysis. Linear regressions showed that low oral health-related quality of life is associated with higher loneliness (B = 0.03, p < 0.001), higher perceived social isolation (B = 0.06, p < 0.001) and higher objective social isolation (B = 0.07, p < 0.05). Further regressions were performed (e.g., stratified by denture usage). Our study stressed the importance of low oral health-related quality of life for loneliness and social isolation (both perceived and objective). This knowledge is important to address individuals at risk. Future studies should clarify the underlying mechanisms.


2014 ◽  
Vol 22 (4) ◽  
pp. 194-201 ◽  
Author(s):  
Freda-Marie Hartung ◽  
Britta Renner

Humans are social animals; consequently, a lack of social ties affects individuals’ health negatively. However, the desire to belong differs between individuals, raising the question of whether individual differences in the need to belong moderate the impact of perceived social isolation on health. In the present study, 77 first-year university students rated their loneliness and health every 6 weeks for 18 weeks. Individual differences in the need to belong were found to moderate the relationship between loneliness and current health state. Specifically, lonely students with a high need to belong reported more days of illness than those with a low need to belong. In contrast, the strength of the need to belong had no effect on students who did not feel lonely. Thus, people who have a strong need to belong appear to suffer from loneliness and become ill more often, whereas people with a weak need to belong appear to stand loneliness better and are comparatively healthy. The study implies that social isolation does not impact all individuals identically; instead, the fit between the social situation and an individual’s need appears to be crucial for an individual’s functioning.


Nutrients ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (7) ◽  
pp. 2450
Author(s):  
Anna Karin Lindroos ◽  
Lotta Moraeus ◽  
Jessica Petrelius Sipinen ◽  
Eva Warensjö Lemming ◽  
Emma Patterson

Adolescence is a time in life when lifestyle behaviours are acquired. One indicator of poor diet quality is the intake of foods and beverages with a relatively low nutritional value. Using the Australian classification of such foods, termed “discretionary”, we classified the intakes of Swedish adolescents who participated in the Riksmaten Adolescent 2016–17 national dietary survey. From selected schools, 3099 adolescents in age groups 11–12, 14–15 and 17–18 years provided two 24-h recalls. Intakes and healthy dietary scores were calculated. Plasma ferritin, folate and 25(OH)D were available for a third. Almost 40% of total energy came from discretionary foods/beverages. Adolescents with higher intakes were more likely to be female, older, from a low socioeconomic position-household and born in Sweden. Most discretionary foods/beverages were consumed on weekend days and during in-between meals, outside of the home and at school. Percent energy from discretionary intake was associated with healthy dietary scores but not nutritional status. A substantial amount of energy was obtained from discretionary foods/beverages, and we found that consumption is pervasive across sociodemographic factors, time and place. Addressing this pattern will require a comprehensive approach to food environments and behaviours to reach all adolescents in an equitable manner.


Seizure ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 84 ◽  
pp. 84-90
Author(s):  
Parul Agarwal ◽  
Huaqing Xi ◽  
Nathalie Jette ◽  
Jung-yi Lin ◽  
Churl-Su Kwon ◽  
...  

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