Changes in social lives and loneliness during COVID-19 among older adults: a closer look at the sociodemographic differences.

ABSTRACT:

Objectives

The COVID-19 pandemic greatly impacted the social lives of older adults across several areas, leading to concern about an increase in loneliness. This study examines the associations of structural, functional, and quality aspects of social connection with increased loneliness during COVID-19 and how these associations vary by sociodemographic factors.

Design

Secondary data analyses on a nationally representative survey of older US adults.

Setting

The 2020 Health and Retirement Study (HRS) COVID-19 module.

Participants

The study sample includes 3,804 adults aged 54 or older.

Measurements

Increased loneliness was based on respondents' self-report on whether they felt lonelier than before the COVID-19 outbreak.

Results

While 29% felt lonel

SUBMITTER: Choi EY 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10198802 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature