The epidemiology of social isolation and loneliness among older adults during the last years of life.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Social isolation and loneliness are critical to the health of older adults, but they have not been well-described at the end of life.

Objectives

To determine the prevalence and correlates of social isolation and loneliness among older adults in the last years of life.

Design

Nationally representative, cross-sectional survey.

Setting

Health and Retirement Study, 2006-2016 data.

Participants

Adults age > 50 interviewed once in the last 4 years of life (n = 3613).

Measurements

We defined social isolation using a 15-item scale measuring household contacts, social network interaction, and community engagement, and frequent loneliness using the 3-item UCLA Loneliness Scale. We used multivariable logistic regression to determine their adjusted

SUBMITTER: Kotwal AA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8595510 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature