Changes in Levels of Social Isolation and Loneliness among Older People in a Rural Area: A Twenty–Year Longitudinal Study

Abstract

The Bangor Longitudinal Study of Ageing (BLSA), conducted in rural Wales from 1979 to 1999, followed a cohort of survivors from more than 500 people over 20 years. Using both quantitative and qualitative data from the study, the factors associated with increases and decreases in loneliness and social isolation were identified. The study was based on a population sample and survivors were followed up every 4 years. From 1983 to 1987, 30 people aged 75 and over in 1979 were studied intensively. The customary measure of loneliness was used, as well as an aggregate measure devised by the research team. Social isolation was similarly measured, using an aggregate measure. Respondents were assessed as demonstrating low, moderate, or high levels of loneliness or isolation. Subsequently, statistical models of loneliness and social isolation were developed. Some respondents were assessed as not experiencing social isolation or loneliness during the study. Others showed changes in levels. In this article, the data are explored, seeking factors associated with changes in social isolation and loneliness. Outcome measures of these two variables of interest are compared with items from the aggregate measures and other identifiable intervening variables. The article discusses which change variables contribute most to levels of isolation and loneliness and result in different combinations of these two outcomes. Implications for policy and practice are discussed.

Social isolation and loneliness among older people: issues and future challenges in community and residential settings

“…Similarly, higher levels of loneliness have been identified when aggregate measures or scales have been used compared with more "direct", self assessment measures (eg, asking people to rate the frequency of their loneliness on a scale from "always" to "never"). 29,30 In an analysis of data from UK and Australian research, Victor, Grenade and Boldy 29 found that although rates of "severe" loneliness were comparable for both types of measure used , the loneliness scale also revealed higher levels of "moderate" loneliness (assumed as broadly equivalent to "sometimes" lonely on the self-rating scale). This suggests that some older people may be more reluctant to admit directly to being lonely, unless it is quite obvious or severe.…”

Loneliness and Social Isolation Among Older Irish People

“…One of the principal reasons why social researchers devote so much attention to the social lives of older people is the concern that older people are at high risk of social isolation (Fahey and Murray, 1994 (Wenger and Burholt, 2003). As a subjective experience for older people, social isolation can be experienced as a relat;ve experience and can also be experienced with reference to others and to their earlier experiences.…”

“…Social isolation can increase with advancing age and this increase can be related to these same factors (Wenger and Burholt, 2003). Sensory acuity may diminish with old age, leading to limitations in the frequency and quality of social interactions (Saxon and Etton, 1987).…”

“…In this study, the experience of loneliness among older people is explored from the subjective viewpoint of the individual, using a combination of quantitative and qualitative techniques. (Wenger and Burholt, 2003).…”

“…As people get older their social networks can become reduced and they are at higher risk of social isolation (Fahey and Murray, 1994). As an objective state, based on the absence of contact with other people and integration with other members of society (Wenger and Burholt, 2003), social isolation can be quantified. Furthermore, patterns of social isolation in individuals can be identified (Wenger and Burholt, 2003).…”