Prevalence and determinants of social isolation among elderly in an urban slum of Raipur city-A community based cross-sectional study

Prevalence of social isolation in the elderly: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Social isolation has become a global issue among the elderly, posing serious challenges to both social and public health. We assessed the prevalence of elderly social isolation and its related factors. Eight electronic databases were searched up to June 28th, 2023. A meta-analysis of the included literature was performed using Stata 16.0. The results showed that the incidence of social isolation in the elderly was 33 % [95 % CI (0.28, 0.38)]. The subgroup analysis revealed that people over 80, with a sample size under 500, assessed using the Lubben Social Network scale and Social Network Index scale, experienced higher social isolation, especially if they were living alone and lacked higher education. It is suggested to pay attention to the psychological well-being of elderly individuals living alone and lacking a high level of education. Early screening could help reduce the incidence of social isolation, and hence its implications, among the elderly.

Physical activity and functional social support in community-dwelling older adults: a scoping review

BACKGROUND

Globally, the population of older people is increasing and is estimated to reach nearly 2.1 billion by 2050. Physical activity (PA) is one of the key components for successful ageing. However, PA decreases with age and many older adults do not meet PA guidelines. Previous research has shown that social support (SOSU) is related to PA in older people. The aim of this scoping review is to identify and map all of the available evidence and to explore the association between functional SOSU and PA in older adults. Functional SOSU consists of emotional, informational, instrumental and companionship SOSU and social comparison.

METHODS

A scoping review was conducted using the Joanna-Briggs manual. Quantitative and qualitative studies investigating associations between functional SOSU and PA levels in older adults (mean age ≥ 60 years) were identified through a systematic search in seven electronic databases up to August 2023. After removing duplicates, 20,907 articles were screened for titles and abstracts. The results were analysed separately for different types of SOSU.

RESULTS

116 articles met the inclusion criteria; 72% were quantitative studies and 28% were qualitative studies. Most studies used self-reported PA measures, only 23% of the studies used objective-reported PA measures. Most studies of SOSU for PA reported positive associations but the evidence is inconclusive when the source of support is considered. PA is positively associated with general, emotional, informational, and companionship SOSU, while instrumental support may occasionally be negatively associated. Companionship support is particularly influential on PA, especially in group settings, as it promotes social connectedness. Qualitative studies show that social comparison also supports PA. Different forms of SOSU generally show positive associations with PA.

CONCLUSIONS

While the evidence on the association between functional SOSU and PA is mixed, most studies show that there is a positive association. PA may also be a strategy for improving social contact and social integration. This study offers a comprehensive overview of measures for SOSU and PA and thereby informs future research and policy-making.

Social network associated with depressed mood and sarcopenia among older adults in Taiwan

BACKGROUND

Social isolation is increasing in aging societies; however, its relationship with depressed mood and sarcopenia is not well studied. This study aims to examine the influence of social network on depressed mood and sarcopenia among community-dwelling older adults in Taiwan.

METHODS

We collected data from a sample of 981 older adults residing in the community. These individuals received government-subsidized preventive healthcare services for adults at a district hospital in Taipei in 2021. The social network of the older adults who participated was assessed using the Lubben Social Network Scale, while depressed mood was assessed using the Geriatric Depression Scale. The definition of sarcopenia used in this study was based on the 2019 Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia.

RESULTS

According to this study, sarcopenia was present in approximately 15 % of older adults. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that older adults who had poor social network and did not meet the recommended 150 min of regular physical activity per week were more likely to have depressed mood. Additionally, older adults who were older, underweight, did not engage in regular physical activity, and had poor social network were more likely to have sarcopenia.

CONCLUSION

Poor social network was associated with increased risks of depressed mood and sarcopenia among older adults.

A global perspective on risk factors for social isolation in community-dwelling older adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis

PURPOSE

Older people's physical and mental health are now significantly impacted by social isolation, a major threat to public health. Our goal was to identify the connections between risk factors and social isolation among this population across various geographic areas.

METHODS

Seven databases were thoroughly searched, from their inception until April 2023. Inclusion and exclusion criteria were used to choose the studies. For the included cross-sectional studies, we used the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) to assess the probability of bias, and the Newcastle-Ottawa scale for the cohort studies. The statistical analysis was performed using STATA 15 to calculate pooled odds ratios (OR) and 95% CI.

RESULTS

All 3043 papers were carefully examined, and 42 satisfied the criteria for inclusion. The results indicated that multi-domain risk factors and social isolation among older persons worldwide are significantly correlated. These multi-domain risk factors included biological factors, socioeconomic factors, and psychological and behavioral factors. It is also important to note that these factors may vary from region to region.

CONCLUSION

Many domain factors were linked to social isolation in older individuals living in communities throughout the world. To develop effective strategies for controlling social isolation, it is crucial to conduct assessments of social isolation risk factors in local communities.

Depression among older adults in an urban slum of Raipur city - a community based cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

Older adults are at risk of chronic, silent depressive changes and the vulnerability of older adults in urban slums of India is rarely exposed. The objective of this study was to estimate the prevalence of depression among the older adults in the urban slums of India and to study the factors associated with it.

METHODS

This was a community based analytical cross-sectional study conducted in Urban Field Practice Area of a tertiary care teaching hospital in Chhattisgarh, India among older adults more than or equal to 60 years of age selected using two stage, simple random sampling. The data was collected in a sample of 400 older adults by face-to-face interview using self-designed, semi-structured and pretested proforma that included validated Hindi version of Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS-15) and analyzed using SPSS v23.

RESULTS

The prevalence of depression among older adults was 51.5% in the present study; with 27%, 12.8% and 11.8% having mild, moderate and severe depression respectively. Number of family members, living status of spouse, emotional attachment to family members, conflict in family, loneliness, social isolation, marginal friendship ties, functional status, physical exercise, active complains and diastolic BP were independent predictors of depression in older adults.

CONCLUSION

Early identification of depression in older adults using GDS-15 and incorporation of social isolation and functionality assessment routinely by healthcare providers for all older adults attending the outpatient departments is the need of the hour. A holistic approach to care of older adults is vital as healthcare providers seek to understand the impact of multiple, complex, interconnected factors on overall health and well-being of older adults.

Identifying the impact of social isolation and loneliness on psychological well-being among the elderly in old-age homes of India: the mediating role of gender, marital status, and education

BACKGROUND

Social isolation and loneliness can be detrimental to the overall functioning of the older adults. The study examines the impact of social isolation and loneliness on the psychological well-being of older adults residing in various old-age homes in India and investigates the mediating role of gender, marital status, and education level in the way social isolation and loneliness affect psychological well-being.

METHODS

Data has been collected from 320 individuals aged sixty years or above. Data were collected using standardized measures like Lubben Social Network Scale- 6, revised UCLA Loneliness Scale, and shortened version of psychological well-being scale by Ryff & Keyes (1995). Multivariate and mediation analysis were performed to understand the associations of social isolation and loneliness with psychological well-being.

RESULTS

A statistically significant MANOVA effect was obtained for social isolation (F = 3.836, p < .01), and loneliness (F = 3.782, p < .01). Gender and education as independent factors were significantly associated with the psychological well-being of individuals. However, both gender and education did not mediate the impact of social isolation and loneliness on the psychological well-being of older adults. Further, marital status had a partial mediating effect on the relationship between social isolation, loneliness, and psychological well-being.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings of the study can be incorporated into measures aiming at alleviation of feelings of social isolation and loneliness among the elderly. Further, the findings can be used to design various intervention strategies aimed at the reduction of social isolation and loneliness among older adults and the restoration of their psychological well-being.