Anxiety, depression, loneliness and social network in the elderly: Longitudinal associations from The Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing (TILDA)

Abstract

Background: Social network, loneliness, generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and major depression disorder (MDD) are interrelated. However, as the directions of these associations are still unclear, we examined them prospectively using community-based data. Methods: Data on 5066 adults aged ≥ 50 years from the Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing (TILDA) were analyzed. Loneliness was assessed through the UCLA Loneliness Scale. Social integration was measured using the Berkman-Syme Social Network Index. MDD and GAD were assessed with the Composite International Diagnostic Interview (CIDI). Logistic regression models were conducted. Results: The longitudinal association between experiencing loneliness and higher likelihood of suffering from MDD or GAD two years later is bidirectional but stronger with loneliness as origin, whereas the association between social isolation and higher likelihood of subsequent MDD or GAD as well as those between loneliness and subsequent deterioration of social integration are unidirectional. Conclusion: Objective and perceived social isolation independently affect the probability of suffering from MDD or GAD whereas loneliness is a risk factor for the deterioration of social life, which highlights the need to address the subjective factors (such as loneliness) and objective factors (such as social network size) of social isolation in a complementary way in order to improve the mental health of the older adult population.

Physical activity and loneliness among adults aged 50 years or older in six low‐ and middle‐income countries

“…29 Furthermore, depression can lead to low physical activity, while loneliness is known to be highly prevalent among older people with depression. 30,31 We also adjusted for setting (ie, rural or urban) as it is known that older people living in cities are often less physical active, 32 while urban living may influence loneliness. [33][34][35] Finally, we adjusted for household size (1, 2, and 3 or more) and social cohesion in the community to assess the independent effect of loneliness regardless of social ties.…”

“…Health conditions (ie, chronic physical conditions, depression) were also adjusted for as poor health may limit the capacity for being physically active and induce loneliness . Furthermore, depression can lead to low physical activity, while loneliness is known to be highly prevalent among older people with depression . We also adjusted for setting (ie, rural or urban) as it is known that older people living in cities are often less physical active, while urban living may influence loneliness .…”

Girls gone wild: Social isolation induces hyperactivity and exploration in aged female mice

“…Rather, isolation 7 increased hyperactivity and exploration, findings that have been similarly observed in both sexes following earlylife isolation. In human populations, social isolation and loneliness correlate with cognitive decline, depression, and anxiety (Cacioppo et al, 2006;Domènech-Abella et al, 2019). Understanding the behavioral impacts of latelife isolation is especially relevant given the current self-isolation recommendations, particularly for females whose are more likely than males to live alone.…”

Psychological and Psychosocial Interventions for Depression and Anxiety in Patients With Age-Related Macular Degeneration: A Systematic Review

“…Experience of loneliness and perceived social isolation can also play an important role as factors of depression and anxiety in the elderly. A recent study conducted with older adults found a longitudinal and bidirectional association between experiencing loneliness and higher risk for major depression disorder (MDD) and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) two years later(77). In the same study, perceived social isolation was also found independently associated with MDD and GAD.…”