ASSOCIATIONS BETWEEN SOCIAL ISOLATION AND HOSPITAL STAYS, NURSING HOME ENTRY, AND MORTALITY OVER TIME. (20th December 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Pomeroy, Mary Louise; Gimm, Gilbert; Cuellar, Alison; Ihara, Emily; Cudjoe, Thomas
• Is Part Of: Innovation in aging. Volume 6(2022)Supplement 1
• Page Start: 180
• Page End: 180
• Publication Date: 2022-12-20
• Subjects: Aging -- Periodicals; Gerontology -- Periodicals; 612.67
• DOI: 10.1093/geroni/igac059.721
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2399-5300

Abstract

Abstract: This study examined social isolation as a risk factor for hospitalization, nursing home stays, and mortality among a longitudinal sample of 12, 860 community-dwelling older adults ages 65+ between 2006-2018. Using seven waves of Health and Retirement Study (HRS) data, we examined associations between social isolation and hospitalization, nursing home stays, and mortality. Social isolation scores ranged from 0-6 using an established typology with six objective measures of social interactions: 1) marital status; 2) living arrangement; 3) monthly communication with children; 4) family; 5) and friends; and, 6) monthly participation in groups, clubs, organizations, or religious services. Covariates included fixed demographics and time-variant characteristics including loneliness, depression, Medicaid enrollment, lifestyle behaviors, activities of daily living, number of chronic conditions, and Alzheimer's disease or related dementias. Logistic regression analyses were conducted with panel data and random effects to examine associations between social isolation and each outcome over time. About 15% of the sample was socially isolated, with an average isolation score of 1.29. Social isolation significantly increased the odds of having a nursing home stay (OR = 1.22, p < 0.001) and mortality (OR = 1.14, p < 0.001). However, it was not significantly associated with overnight hospitalizations (OR = 0.97, p = 0.09). Social isolation may put older adults at greater risk for nursing home stays and mortality over time, as compared to social integration. Policies and practices to reduce social isolation can support aging at home or the community, delay nursing home entry, and reduce the risk of mortality.