Loneliness, social isolation and ageing: a methodological approach to compare Latvian and Icelandic older populations in the course of COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract

Background Feelings of loneliness and social isolation are common among the elderly, affecting both health and wellbeing. The COVID-19 pandemic has altered social connections through health precautions, restrictions and other factors. However, limited research has been conducted on how older people’s health and wellbeing in different countries has been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The aim of this study was to develop methodology that would allow us to compare elderly populations, aged 67 + in Latvia and Iceland, and to discuss the potential impact of diverging factors on the association between loneliness, social isolation and health.Methods Quantitative data on 420 respondents from Wave 8 of the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe (SHARE) was utilized in Latvia. Data on health and wellbeing of elderly in Iceland from a HL20 study with 1033 respondents was used to provide comparative analytic material for studying the differences between Latvia and Iceland, and within each country.Results The study revealed considerable differences between the countries regarding the frequency of loneliness and social isolation. About 80% of Latvian respondents felt socially isolated and 45% were lonely, compared to 42.7% socially isolated and 30% lonely Icelanders. In general, more elderly people in Latvia experienced difficulties than their peers in Iceland. Social isolation tends to differ across genders and age groups in both countries. This is related to marital and employment status, financial situation, and education. COVID-19 had a stronger deteriorating effect on mental and physical health among both lonely Latvian and Icelandic respondents. However, health deterioration was stronger amongst more socially isolated Icelanders compared to Latvians.Conclusions The study suggests that social isolation is a contributing factor and increases the risk of loneliness, which might have been enhanced by restrictions during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Unraveling the dynamics of loneliness in the Baltic-Nordic region: a comparative analysis in the wake of COVID-19

“…This comparison aims to determine if Iceland’s patterns align with those observed in the Nordic region or if they present distinct trends. Through this analysis, we hope to not only validate our methodological approach ( 16 , 25 ) but also contribute to a deeper understanding of regional dynamics in these European countries ( 18 ). This effort reflects a broader aim to enhance the comparability of data across different national contexts, thereby enriching the scope and depth of regional studies.…”

“…In comparing older populations in Latvia and Iceland, we have employed a standardized approach to ensure data comparability. This involved individuals aged 67 and above, utilizing SHARE for Latvia and HL20 data for Iceland ( 16 , 25 ). Key demographic variables—gender, age, marital status, education, employment, financial stability, and health—were harmonized.…”

“…Key demographic variables—gender, age, marital status, education, employment, financial stability, and health—were harmonized. The categorization of responses was also restructured for consistency, as outlined in previous research ( 16 ). This methodological framework is not only insightful for Latvia and Iceland but is now being applied to other populations in the Nordic-Baltic region, expanding its scope and enriching the understanding of ageing across diverse cultural and socio-economic contexts.…”

“…Building upon our preceding research ( 16 , 25 ), we further explore whether the patterns of loneliness prevalence and its determinants, as observed in the Latvia-Iceland comparative study, are consistent across the broader Nordic-Baltic region and within individual Nordic countries. This inquiry is particularly significant in the context of the methodological challenges presented by the use of different databases.…”

“…Building on the insights from our comparative study of loneliness in Latvia and Iceland ( 16 , 25 ), we aim to extrapolate these findings to the wider Baltic-Nordic context. This extension is crucial in determining whether the patterns and determinants of loneliness identified in the initial Latvia-Iceland comparison are consistent and applicable across the broader region.…”