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Pan C, Yu L, Cao N. Reciprocal Relations of Social Isolation and Multimorbidity in Chinese Elderly. Am J Prev Med 2024:S0749-3797(24)00299-X. [PMID: 39222776 DOI: 10.1016/j.amepre.2024.08.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2024] [Revised: 08/26/2024] [Accepted: 08/27/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION This study aims to investigate the bidirectional associations between Social Isolation (SI) and multimorbidity among Chinese older adults. METHODS Data from six waves of the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey spanning from 2002 to 2018 were analyzed. A General Cross-Lagged Model was employed in 2023 to investigate the temporal interrelationships between SI and multimorbidity among individuals aged 65 years and older. RESULTS In the short-term, significant bidirectional associations between SI and multimorbidity were found. Higher levels of SI at a given time point were associated with increased multimorbidity scores in the future, while greater levels of multimorbidity at a given time were associated with higher future SI scores. In the long-term, it is more likely that initial multimorbidity affect SI rather than initial SI affecting multimorbidity. CONCLUSIONS This study contributes to the understanding of the bidirectional associations between SI and multimorbidity among Chinese older adults, highlighting that initial multimorbidity was associated with future SI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chaoping Pan
- School of Medical Humanities and Management, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou City, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Linwei Yu
- School of Medical Humanities and Management, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou City, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Na Cao
- School of Medical Humanities and Management, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou City, Zhejiang Province, China.
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Pan C. Bidirectional and Dynamic Relationships Between Social Isolation and Loneliness Among Older Adults in China. J Am Med Dir Assoc 2024; 25:105003. [PMID: 38670171 DOI: 10.1016/j.jamda.2024.03.114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2023] [Revised: 03/19/2024] [Accepted: 03/20/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study aimed to investigate the bidirectional associations and temporal dynamics between social isolation (SI) and loneliness among older adults. DESIGN This is a prospective cohort study. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS With the global phenomenon of population aging, there has been a significant increase in the prevalence of SI and loneliness among older adults. These factors exert substantial impacts on the health and well-being of this population. Consequently, it is imperative to implement more effective interventions targeting SI and combating loneliness in order to enhance the overall health and well-being of older adults. METHODS Data from the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey (CLHLS) were analyzed, focusing on individuals aged 65 and older. Generalized Cross-Lagged Modeling (GCLM) was used to assess these associations. RESULTS The findings reveal significant cross-lagged effects between SI and loneliness over the course of 16 years. Higher levels of SI at 1 time point predict increased loneliness scores in subsequent periods, and greater levels of loneliness at 1 time point predict higher SI scores in future periods. Notably, the impact of SI on loneliness is found to be larger and more enduring compared to the influence of loneliness on SI. These cross-lagged effects persist over an extended period, indicating a long-term reciprocal relationship between SI and loneliness among older adults. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS This study provides valuable insights into the bidirectional associations between SI and loneliness among older adults. Given that the effect of SI dominates, the findings suggest that public health strategies aimed at promoting health and well-being should prioritize interventions that enrich older adults' social networks. Emphasizing early interventions aimed at enhancing social networks is essential for promoting healthy aging and overall well-being.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chaoping Pan
- College of Medical Humanities and Management, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China.
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Pan C, Yu L, Cao N. Reciprocal and Dynamic Associations between Social Isolation, Loneliness, and Disability among Chinese Older Adults. J Am Med Dir Assoc 2024; 25:104975. [PMID: 38583487 DOI: 10.1016/j.jamda.2024.02.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2023] [Revised: 02/23/2024] [Accepted: 02/23/2024] [Indexed: 04/09/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study aimed to examine reciprocal and dynamic associations between Social Isolation (SI), loneliness, and disability among Chinese older adults. DESIGN This is a prospective cohort study. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS The global trend of population aging has resulted in a significant rise in the prevalence of disabilities, SI, and loneliness among older adults. These factors can severely impact the health and well-being of older adults. Therefore, it is crucial to implement more efficient interventions aimed at reducing disabilities, addressing SI, and combating loneliness among older adults in order to improve their overall health and well-being. METHODS Using a large, nationally representative sample spanning 16 years, we employed the general cross-lagged panel model to explore the relationships among 50,348 older adults with a mean age of 81.83 at baseline. Disability was measured by a comprehensive index tool that incorporated multiple dimensions. SI was measured using an SI index, and loneliness was evaluated using a single-item measure. RESULTS SI emerged as a stronger predictor of disability than loneliness. Longitudinal analysis revealed accumulative disadvantages in the association between SI and disability. Additionally, disability was found to contribute to increased SI and loneliness. However, our study did not detect any variance in the strength of the cross-lagged effects between social isolation and disability. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS The findings suggest that reducing SI is crucial for reducing disability among older adults. Initiating early interventions to minimize initial SI could aid in preventing later-life disability. Additionally, addressing disabilities may positively impact the reduction of loneliness and SI within this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chaoping Pan
- College of Medical Humanities and Management, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou City, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Linwei Yu
- College of Medical Humanities and Management, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou City, Zhejiang Province, China.
| | - Na Cao
- College of Medical Humanities and Management, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou City, Zhejiang Province, China; School of Public Health, Wuhan University, Wuhan City, Hubei Province, China.
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Magid K, Sagui-Henson SJ, Sweet CC, Smith BJ, Chamberlain CEW, Levens SM. The Impact of Digital Mental Health Services on Loneliness and Mental Health: Results from a Prospective, Observational Study. Int J Behav Med 2024; 31:468-478. [PMID: 37488324 PMCID: PMC11106110 DOI: 10.1007/s12529-023-10204-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 07/26/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Loneliness has increased since the COVID-19 pandemic and negatively impacts mental health. This study examined relationships between loneliness and mental health among adults using a digital mental health platform. METHODS A purposive sample of 919 participants (97% response rate) who were newly enrolled in the platform completed a survey on loneliness, depression, anxiety, well-being, stress, social support, and comorbidities at baseline and 3 months. Platform engagement was tracked during this period. We examined baseline differences between lonely and non-lonely participants; associations between loneliness, mental health symptoms, and comorbidities; and changes in loneliness and mental health through engagement in any form of care. RESULTS At baseline, 57.8% of the sample were categorized as lonely. Loneliness was associated with younger age, fewer years of education, and the presence of a comorbidity (p values < .05). Baseline loneliness was associated with greater depression, anxiety, and stress and lower well-being and social support (ps < .001). The percentage of lonely participants decreased at follow-up (57.6% to 52.9%, p = .03). Those who improved in loneliness improved in mental health symptoms, well-being, and social support (ps < .001). Lonely participants who engaged in any form of care reported a greater reduction in loneliness than those who did not engage (p = .04). CONCLUSIONS This study confirms previous findings of the high prevalence of loneliness among adults and risk factors for increased loneliness. Findings highlight the potential of digital platforms to reach lonely individuals and alleviate loneliness through remote mental health support.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kirby Magid
- University of North Carolina at Charlotte, NC, Charlotte, USA
- Modern Health, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | | | | | | | | | - Sara M Levens
- University of North Carolina at Charlotte, NC, Charlotte, USA
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Sherman DW, Alfano AR, Alfonso F, Duque CR, Eiroa D, Marrero Y, Muñecas T, Radcliffe-Henry E, Rodriguez A, Sommer CL. A Systematic Review of the Relationship between Social Isolation and Physical Health in Adults. Healthcare (Basel) 2024; 12:1135. [PMID: 38891210 PMCID: PMC11171827 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare12111135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2024] [Revised: 05/29/2024] [Accepted: 05/30/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Background: According to the World Health Organization, social isolation, particularly of older adults, is a public health issue endangering the well-being of individuals, families, and communities. Social isolation affects health through biological, behavioral, and psychological pathways and is associated with physical and psychological/emotional well-being, increases morbidity and mortality rates, and lowers quality of life. Purpose: This systematic review examined the relationship between social isolation and physical health, including subjective and objective dimensions, and factors that influence this relationship in adults. Methods: This systematic review examined six electronic databases covering the field of health and human services and included results from 1 January 2017 to 10 March 2023 with key terms including adult social connection or social isolation coupled with health, physical, psychological, emotional, mental, or behavioral. The initial search yielded 925 research articles across all databases and was narrowed to 710 when the decision was made to focus on social isolation and physical health. Covidence was used throughout the retrieval and appraisal process, as provided in a PRISMA flow diagram. Twenty-four studies that scored 90 or above in the appraisal process were included in the systematic review. Results: The studies represented included seven studies conducted in the United States and seventeen studies conducted internationally. Regarding study design, twenty-three studies were quantitative, one was qualitative, and one was mixed methods. The majority of quantitative studies were correlational in design with nine being longitudinal. The majority of studies were based on large national data sets representing in total 298,653 participants aged 50 and older. The results indicate that social isolation is related to increases in inflammatory biomarkers associated with diseases, all-cause mortality, lower expectations of longevity, and frailty. In addition, social isolation was associated with cognitive decline and disruptions in sleep. Poor oral health increased social isolation. The results further indicated that decreased physical performance/function and a decline in physical activity were associated with social isolation, as well as decreased overall physical health, poor health behaviors, and self-care, and decreased health-related quality of life. Further research is warranted to examine the possible bidirectionality of these relationships and possible mediating, moderating, or confounding variables. Implications: Future research is needed to explore the biological and behavioral pathways in which social isolation negatively impacts physical health. Going forward, studies are needed that move beyond descriptive, exploratory methods and integrate data from qualitative and mixed-method designs that will inform the development and testing of a conceptual framework related to social isolation and health. By advancing the science behind social isolation, comprehensive interventions can be identified and tested with implications at the individual, family, community, and societal levels to reduce social isolation, particularly among adults, and improve health and quality of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deborah Witt Sherman
- Department of Graduate Nursing, Nicole Wertheim College of Nursing and Health Sciences, Miami, FL 33199, USA
| | - Alliete Rodriguez Alfano
- Department of Communication and Science Disorders, Nicole Wertheim College of Nursing and Health Sciences, Miami, FL 33199, USA; (A.R.A.); (C.L.S.)
| | - Fernando Alfonso
- Department of Nurse Anesthesiology, Nicole Wertheim College of Nursing and Health Sciences, Miami, FL 33199, USA;
| | - Carmen R. Duque
- Department of Undergraduate Nursing, Nicole Wertheim College of Nursing and Health Sciences, Miami, FL 33199, USA;
| | - Daniella Eiroa
- Department of Athletic Training Services, Nicole Wertheim College of Nursing and Health Sciences, Miami, FL 33199, USA;
| | - Yamile Marrero
- Department of Health Services Administration, Nicole Wertheim College of Nursing and Health Sciences, Miami, FL 33199, USA;
| | - Teresa Muñecas
- Department of Clinical Education, Nicole Wertheim College of Nursing and Health Sciences, Miami, FL 33199, USA;
| | - Erica Radcliffe-Henry
- Department of Physical Assistant, Hubert Wertheim College of Medicine, Miami, FL 33199, USA;
| | - Ana Rodriguez
- Department of Occupational Therapy, Nicole Wertheim College of Nursing and Health Sciences, Miami, FL 33199, USA;
| | - Chelsea L. Sommer
- Department of Communication and Science Disorders, Nicole Wertheim College of Nursing and Health Sciences, Miami, FL 33199, USA; (A.R.A.); (C.L.S.)
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Pan C, Yu L. Bidirectional and dynamic relationships between social isolation and activities of daily living among older adults in China. J Glob Health 2024; 14:04031. [PMID: 38275090 PMCID: PMC10811563 DOI: 10.7189/jogh.14.04031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Social isolation and disability in performing activities of daily living are increasingly recognised as significant public health concerns globally. We aimed to investigate their bidirectional associations and the related temporal dynamics in Chinese older adults. Methods We retrieved data from the six waves of the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey (2002-18) and used generalised cross-lagged modelling (GCLM) to assess the bidirectional associations between social isolation and disability in performing activities of daily living. Results We found that higher levels of social isolation were predictive of increased scores in disabilities in performing activities of daily living. Conversely, disabilities in performing activities of daily living showed less predictive power in relation to social isolation. The temporal dynamics analysis indicated a peak in the bidirectional associations after approximately six years, followed by decreasing trends. Conclusions Our results indicate that social isolation is dominant in the bidirectional relationship. Efforts focusing on reducing it can potentially minimise disabilities in performing activities of daily living among older adults. Reinstating preventive interventions beyond the six-year mark could help maintain their effectiveness.
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Zhao D, Chai S, Gao T, Li J, Zhou C. Physical Mobility, Social Isolation and Cognitive Function: Are There Really Gender Differences? Am J Geriatr Psychiatry 2023; 31:726-736. [PMID: 37147164 DOI: 10.1016/j.jagp.2023.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2023] [Revised: 03/19/2023] [Accepted: 04/05/2023] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study aimed to examine the mediating role of social isolation between physical mobility and cognitive function, and whether there are gender differences in the above mediating effects among Chinese older adults. METHODS This is a prospective and cohort study. We obtained data from the 2011 (Time 1, T1), 2015 (Time 2, T2) and 2018 (Time 3, T3) waves of China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study, including 3,395 participants aged 60 years or above. Cognition was evaluated by Telephone Interview of Cognitive Status, words recall, and figure drawing, which was widely used in previous research. We used a cross-lagged model to test the hypothesis that social isolation mediated the association between physical mobility and cognitive function among Chinese older adults. RESULTS The total effects of T1 physical mobility limitations on T3 cognitive function (β = -0.055, bootstrap p < 0.001) were significantly negative. Social isolation played a mediating role among both males and females (male: β = -0.008, bootstrap p = 0.012; female: β = -0.006, bootstrap p = 0.023), demonstrating that the mediating effect of social isolation between physical mobility and cognitive function was not gender specific. CONCLUSION This study confirmed that social isolation mediated the association between physical mobility and cognitive function among both Chinese male and female older adults. These findings indicate that reversing social isolation can be a priority intervention target for cognitive decline prevention and promote successful ageing, particularly among older adults with impaired physical mobility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan Zhao
- Centre for Health Management and Policy Research, School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine (DZ, SC, TG, JL, CZ), Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Shujun Chai
- Centre for Health Management and Policy Research, School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine (DZ, SC, TG, JL, CZ), Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Tingting Gao
- Centre for Health Management and Policy Research, School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine (DZ, SC, TG, JL, CZ), Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Jie Li
- Centre for Health Management and Policy Research, School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine (DZ, SC, TG, JL, CZ), Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Chengchao Zhou
- Centre for Health Management and Policy Research, School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine (DZ, SC, TG, JL, CZ), Shandong University, Jinan, China; NHC Key Lab of Health Economics and Policy Research (Shandong University) (CZ), Jinan, China; Institute of Health and Elderly Care, Shandong University (CZ), Jinan, China.
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Kandola A, Solmi F, Ajnakina O, Ingram E, Iob E, Lee S, Steptoe A, Wright T, Lewis G. The role of loneliness in the association between chronic physical illness and depressive symptoms among older adults: A prospective cohort study. J Affect Disord 2023; 334:220-226. [PMID: 37086792 PMCID: PMC10618404 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2023.04.072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2022] [Revised: 04/10/2023] [Accepted: 04/16/2023] [Indexed: 04/24/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chronic physical illness increases the risk of subsequent depressive symptoms, but we know little about the mechanisms underlying this association that interventions can target. We investigated whether loneliness might explain associations between chronic illness and subsequent depressive symptoms. METHODS We used English Longitudinal Study of Ageing data, a prospective cohort of adults over 50. Our exposure was chronic illnesses (wave two) including arthritis, cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, stroke, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Loneliness scores were a mediator on the short University of California, Los Angeles Loneliness Scale at wave three. Depressive symptom scores (outcome) were measured using the Centre for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (wave four). We examined associations of chronic physical illness with loneliness and depressive symptoms in univariable and multivariable regression models. RESULTS Fully-adjusted models included 2436 participants with the depression outcome and 2052 participants with the loneliness outcome. Chronic physical illness was associated with 21 % (incident rate ratio = 1.21, 95%CI = 1.03-1.42) higher depression scores at follow-up. We found no evidence of an association between chronic physical illness and loneliness and therefore did not proceed to analyses of mediation. LIMITATIONS More prevalent chronic illnesses could have driven our results, such as cardiovascular disease. CONCLUSIONS Chronic physical illnesses increase the risk of depressive symptoms in older adults. However, we did not find any that chronic physical illnesses were associated with an increased risk of subsequent loneliness. Therefore, interventions targeting loneliness to reduce depression in older adults with chronic physical illness may be insufficient.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Kandola
- MRC Unit of Lifelong Health and Ageing, University College London, London, UK; Institute of Mental Health, University College London, London, UK.
| | - F Solmi
- Division of Psychiatry, University College London, London, UK
| | - O Ajnakina
- Department of Biostatistics & Health Informatics, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, University of London, London, UK; Department of Behavioural Science and Health, Institute of Epidemiology and Health Care, University College London, London, UK
| | - E Ingram
- Department of Applied Health Research, Institute of Epidemiology and Health Care, University College London, London, UK
| | - E Iob
- Department of Behavioural Science and Health, Institute of Epidemiology and Health Care, University College London, London, UK
| | - S Lee
- Division of Psychiatry, University College London, London, UK
| | - A Steptoe
- Department of Behavioural Science and Health, Institute of Epidemiology and Health Care, University College London, London, UK
| | - T Wright
- Division of Psychiatry, University College London, London, UK
| | - G Lewis
- Division of Psychiatry, University College London, London, UK
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