Social isolation and health among family caregivers of older adults: Less community participation may indicate poor self‐reported health

Abstract

Social isolation is associated with adverse health outcomes in the general older adult population, but little is known about indicators of social isolation in family caregiver populations. This cross‐sectional study examined the prevalence of social isolation in the 2015 National Survey of Caregiving. Using the Convoy Model of social relations, a life‐course social support framework, we also examined associations between social isolation and caregiver self‐reported health. Using multiple ordinal logistic regression models, we examined social isolation – operationalised with a five‐item summative measure and, alternatively, with each social isolation item – as a predictor of self‐reported general health status. On the dichotomised summative measure, 24.74% (n = 2,175) were more isolated. Younger caregivers were more isolated (M = 56.77 years, SE = 0.76) compared with those who were not (M = 60.86 years, SE = 0.41). Self‐reported general health was as follows: 4.93% poor; 15.67% fair; 25.62% good; 34.81% very good and 18.97% excellent. Less social isolation was associated with higher odds of better self‐reported health (Adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 1.19; CI = 1.05–1.35). Of the individual social isolation indicators, only a lack of community participation was associated with higher odds of worse self‐reported health (AOR = 1.57; CI = 1.25–1.97). Social isolation and particularly community participation were associated with caregiver health status. It may be necessary for healthcare providers to consider these factors in caregiver health assessments. Future research is recommended to understand the consequences of various social isolation indicators in diverse samples including younger caregivers.

A Systematic Review of the Relationship between Social Isolation and Physical Health in Adults

“…Pohl, Bell, Tancredi, and Woods [ 14 ] were interested in examining the prevalence of social isolation in caregivers, as well as the associations between social isolation and health. Less social isolation was reported, with better self-reported health.…”

“…Research indicates that social isolation not only increases morbidity and mortality rates, but also increases depression, suicidal ideation, and anxiety and reduces quality of life [ 3 , 8 ]. Furthermore, in older adults, social isolation is associated with physical functioning [ 9 ], falls [ 10 , 11 ], frailty [ 12 , 13 ], and caregiver self-reported health [ 14 ]. According to Delerue Matos et al [ 15 ], social isolation is detrimental to an older person, not only because of an increase in all-cause mortality but also an increase in the prevalence and exacerbation of chronic diseases and poorer mental and cognitive performance.…”

Disparity in the Burden of Caring for Older Persons between Families Living in Housing Estates and Traditional Communities in Thailand

“…The caregiving experience is intricately linked to its contextual surroundings [ 24 ]. While the literature extensively examines the social, cultural, and policy contexts, there is a noticeable gap in the exploration of the neighborhood context [ 25 , 26 , 27 , 28 ]. Residential settings can vary widely, from private housing estates to traditional village communities, each presenting unique challenges and resources for the family caregivers.…”