Network and solitude satisfaction as modifiers of disadvantages in the quality of life of older persons who are challenged by exclusion from social relations: a gender stratified analysis

Abstract

This study examined from a gender-sensitive perspective the associations of exclusion from social relations (ESR) with the quality of life (QoL) of excluded older persons. Being satisfied with existing relations (i.e., network satisfaction) may be particularly important for the QoL of older persons with small networks, whereas the QoL of “network-less” older persons may be associated with their perception of solitude (i.e., solitude satisfaction). This study examined the moderating role of network satisfaction (NS) in the gendered associations between network size and QoL, as well as the gendered associations of solitude satisfaction (SS) with the QoL of older “network-less” persons. In addition, the comparative disadvantages in the QoL of “network-less” older persons with low-to-high SS, compared to the QoL of socially embedded persons with low-to-high NS were examined. Cross-sectional gender stratified secondary analyses of data from participants (N = 72.433) in the Survey on Health, Aging and Retirement in Europe (SHARE) did not provide convincing evidence that a higher NS is particularly important for the QoL of older persons with smaller networks. Among older “network-less” persons, lower SS was associated with lower QoL, comparatively more so among older women. Older persons embedded in a social network with low NS, as well as older “network-less” persons with low SS, have comparatively the lowest levels of QoL. It was concluded that the subjective evaluation of social relations and the subjective evaluation of solitude are associated with gendered disadvantages in the QoL of older persons challenged by ESR.

Functional and Psychosocial Profile of Older People Living in Nursing Homes: Findings from the European Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe (SHARE)

“…The inventory SN satisfaction ranges from "0" as completely dissatisfied, to "10" as completely satisfied with the relationships [68,69]. It was further grouped in three main levels: low (0-6), moderate (7-8) and high (9-10) [70].…”

“…Concerning the functional status, six basic ADL (dressing, walking across a room, bathing, eating, getting in or out of bed and using the toilet) and seven IADL (using a map, preparing a hot meal, shopping for groceries, making telephone calls, taking med-ications, undertaking work around the house or garden and managing money) were included [70]. Mobility limitations generally means "arm function and fine motor limitations" [70] (p. 2865).…”

“…The total score ranges from 12 to 48, with higher scores corresponding to a better QoL. Cut-offs are usually put at <35 (low) and ≥35 (high) [68,70]. Regarding satisfaction with life, "0" means completely dissatisfied and "10" completely satisfied [68,69].…”

“…Regarding satisfaction with life, "0" means completely dissatisfied and "10" completely satisfied [68,69]. It was further grouped in three main levels: low (0-6), moderate (7-8) and high (9-10) [70]. Regarding other psychological aspects, responses/feelings/opinions were categorised as Yes/No, often/sometime/rarely/hardly ever or never and do not know.…”

Sense-Making of Loneliness and Exclusion From Social Relations Among Older Adults in Sweden

“…A commonly used definition of loneliness is, within science, that of a subjective feeling of having fewer social relations than desired, or that of an unfulfilled intimacy from established social relations ( de Jong Gierveld & Tesch-Römer, 2012 ; Perlman & Peplau, 1981 ). The objective shortage in one or more aspects that typify the structure of social networks (e.g., network size, meaningful relations) are defined as ESR states ( Aartsen et al, 2021 ; Pavlidis, Hansen, et al, 2022 ). In that context, loneliness is often discussed as a potential consequence of ESR in older age.…”