Associations among living alone, social support and social activity in older adults

Abstract

Objectives We examined cross-sectional associations of living alone with social isolation among community-dwelling older adults in Worcester County, Massachusetts, USA. Methods Four hundred participants 65 years old and older were recruited in community group settings or by direct mail. Participants were queried for living status, social support, frequency of social activity, sociodemographic and lifestyle factors, and health conditions. Social isolation was assessed by lack of social support and decreased frequency of social activity. Physical activity (PA) was measured via an accelerometer and global positioning system (GPS), which was worn by the participant, for at least 7 consecutive days. Results Participants living alone (N = 110) had less social support than those living with others (N = 290) (p < 0.001) but did not differ significantly in the frequency of their social activities. Group-setting recruitment was strongly associated with greater social activity (p < 0.001). Less social support was independently associated with a less-than-high-school education (p = 0.001), higher CES-D depression score (p < 0.001) and lower PA (p = 0.003). Less social activity was independently associated with a less-than-high-school education (p = 0.007) and annual income less than $50,000 (p = 0.01). Discussion Older adults who are socioeconomically disadvantaged, have less social support, and who live alone are more likely to be socially isolated and may benefit from continuation of low-cost social activities and increased social support inside the home. Identifying correlates of social isolation may inform future interventions.

Perceived Social Support and Associated Factors Among Community-Dwelling Older Adults With Frailty and Pre-frailty in Hangzhou, China

“…There were also some factors regarding the family of the older adults contributing to the level of social support. Firstly, it was indicated that pre-frail and frail responders living alone might tend to perceive less social support, especially objective support, which is consistent with the previous results ( 33 ). A possible explanation might be that those living alone need more support with, for example, household chores, local transportation, or someone to talk to about their worries and ask for advice ( 33 ).…”

“…Firstly, it was indicated that pre-frail and frail responders living alone might tend to perceive less social support, especially objective support, which is consistent with the previous results ( 33 ). A possible explanation might be that those living alone need more support with, for example, household chores, local transportation, or someone to talk to about their worries and ask for advice ( 33 ). Moreover, older adults living alone reported poorer health, more comorbid medical conditions, and more physical limitations, which increases the need for caregivers ( 33 ).…”

Social Interaction, Lifestyle, and Depressive Status: Mediators in the Longitudinal Relationship between Cognitive Function and Instrumental Activities of Daily Living Disability among Older Adults

“…Older adults may receive higher social support and find companions to perform sport activities together through increased social interactions [ 36 ]. A review [ 37 ] revealed that social support was reliably associated with beneficial effects on the cardiovascular, endocrine, and immune systems.…”

The Relationship Between WeChat Use by Chinese Urban Older Adults Living Alone and Their Subjective Well-Being: The Mediation Role of Intergenerational Support and Social Activity

“…Chan et al found that older adults living alone are more likely to be socially isolated and may benefit more from social activities. 51 WeChat is a tool well suited for the elderly to organize social activities. Before WeChat was introduced, people relied heavily on cell phone calls and text messages to organize such activities.…”