Neighbourhood cohesion, loneliness and perceived social isolation prior and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Longitudinal evidence from the German Ageing Survey

Abstract

Purpose To investigate the longitudinal association between neighbourhood cohesion and loneliness as well as perceived social isolation prior and during the COVID-19 pandemic (stratified by sex). Methods Longitudinal data were taken from a nationally representative sample (German Ageing Survey) of inhabitants aged 40 years and over in Germany prior (wave 6: year 2017) and during the COVID-19 pandemic (wave 8: November 2020 until February 2021; n = 6688 observations, mean age was 67.4 years). The De Jong Gierveld tool was used to measure loneliness and the Bude and Lantermann tool was used to measure perceived social isolation. Neighbourhood cohesion was assessed based on different items. Results FE regressions showed that decreases in closeness of contact with neighbours were associated with increases in loneliness and perceived social isolation levels among men, but not women. In contrast, decreases in different indicators of involvement in neighbourhood activities were associated with increases in loneliness and perceived social isolation levels among women, but not men. Conclusion Changes in neighbourhood factors are differently associated with loneliness and perceived social isolation among middle-aged and older women and men. Gender-specific efforts to avoid loneliness and social isolation are, therefore, needed.

Determinants of psychosocial factors amongst the oldest old: Longitudinal evidence based on the representative “survey on quality of life and subjective well‐being of the very old in North Rhine‐Westphalia”

“…This aligns with prior research based on Swedish individuals aged 82 years and over and applying longitudinal data 37 . More severe functional impairment may particularly reflect a higher need for long‐term care ‐ and a decreased likelihood of participation in several life domains (e.g., social activities) 38 . Functional impairment can also reduce satisfaction in marital partnerships (or friendships) 38 .…”

“…With regard to sex‐stratified regressions, it should be noted that decreases in social network size were significantly associated with increases in depressive symptoms and decreases in life satisfaction in women, but not in men, in our study. Prior research has already demonstrated the key role of social networks for women (e.g., 39 ). Gender differences have also been reported in a recent study among individuals aged 80 and over in China using longitudinal data 40 —and also based on community‐dwelling individuals aged 85 and over residing in Tokyo (longitudinal data) 41 .…”

“…With regard to sex-stratified regressions, it should be noted that decreases in social network size were significantly associated with increases in depressive symptoms and decreases in life satisfaction in women, but not in men, in our study. Prior research has already demonstrated the key role of social networks for women (e.g., 39 ).…”

“…More severe functional impairment may particularly reflect a higher need for long‐term care ‐ and a decreased likelihood of participation in several life domains (e.g., social activities) 38 . Functional impairment can also reduce satisfaction in marital partnerships (or friendships) 38 . In sum, these factors can result in poorer psychosocial factors.…”

Factors associated with institutionalization among the oldest old: Results based on the nationally representative study ‘old age in Germany (D80+)’

“…9 It may be worth noting that being single was particularly strongly related to the odds of being institutionalized among men. It could be that male singles in this age bracket are more dependent on institutionalized forms of housing due to differences in the social network 23,24 with women reporting stronger social ties. 24 Corresponding social networks among single women in this age bracket could in turn facilitate private forms of care -which should be investigated in future research.…”