Social isolation and physical activity mediate associations between free bus travel and wellbeing among older adults in England

Jackson, Sarah E; Firth, Josh A.; Firth, Joseph; Veronese, Nicola; Gorely, Trish; Grabovac, Igor; Yang, Lin; Smıth, Lee

doi:10.1016/j.jth.2019.03.006

Cited by 23 publications

(11 citation statements)

References 22 publications

(29 reference statements)

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“…Outcome variables: social isolation and loneliness Social isolation was computed using a five-item index as used in previous literature (Shankar et al, 2011;Steptoe et al, 2013b;Kobayashi and Steptoe, 2018;Jackson et al, 2019a). One point was assigned to each of the following: if they reported having less than monthly contact (including face-to-face contact, telephone and written/email/text messaging contact) with children, other family members and friends, if they did not belong to a social organisation or club, and if they lived alone.…”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Scores ranged from 0 to 5, with higher scores indicating a greater degree of social isolation. As in previous studies, scores were dichotomised at ⩾2 versus <2 points to indicate high versus low levels of social isolation (Steptoe et al, 2013b;Jackson et al, 2019a).…”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Marital status (married/living as married versus single) has also been associated with internet use (Hogeboom et al, 2010;Berner et al, 2017), social isolation and loneliness (Peplau, 1985;Grenade and Boldy, 2008;Steptoe et al, 2013b;Hawkley and Kocherginsky, 2017;Kobayashi and Steptoe, 2018). Socio-economic status (SES) was assessed using household non-pension wealth as this has been identified as an appropriate indicator of SES in older adults (Banks et al, 2004) and used in previous studies utilising the ELSA data-set Smith et al, 2015;Quintana et al, 2018;Jackson et al, 2019aJackson et al, , 2019b. This was entered as a covariate as it has previously been associated with internet use (Hogeboom et al, 2010;Berry, 2011), social isolation and loneliness (Choi and Dinitto, 2013;Steptoe et al, 2013b;Kobayashi and Steptoe, 2018).…”

Section: Covariatesmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Internet use, social isolation and loneliness in older adults

et al. 2020

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The aim of this study was to explore associations between internet/email use in a large sample of older English adults with their social isolation and loneliness. Data from the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing Wave 8 were used, with complete data available for 4,492 men and women aged ⩾ 50 years (mean age = 64.3, standard deviation = 13.3; 51.7% males). Binomial logistic regression was used to analyse cross-sectional associations between internet/email use and social isolation and loneliness. The majority of older adults reported using the internet/email every day (69.3%), fewer participants reported once a week (8.5%), once a month (2.6%), once every three months (0.7%), less than every three months (1.5%) and never (17.4%). No significant associations were found between internet/email use and loneliness, however, non-linear associations were found for social isolation. Older adults using the internet/email either once a week (odds ratio (OR) = 0.60, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.49–0.72) or once a month (OR = 0.60, 95% CI = 0.45–0.80) were significantly less likely to be socially isolated than every day users; those using internet/email less than once every three months were significantly more likely to be socially isolated than every day users (OR = 2.87, 95% CI = 1.28–6.40). Once every three months and never users showed no difference in social isolation compared with every day users. Weak associations were found between different online activities and loneliness, and strong associations were found with social isolation. The study updated knowledge of older adults’ internet/email habits, devices used and activities engaged in online. Findings may be important for the design of digital behaviour change interventions in older adults, particularly in groups at risk of or interventions targeting loneliness and/or social isolation.

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Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Covariatesmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Internet use, social isolation and loneliness in older adults

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“…However, urban quarantine policy has resulted in significant limitations to residents' social behavior because they are restricted from entering public places and must keep a certain distance from others and avoid physical contact [9]. This decrease in social behavior will lead to an increase in social isolation and loneliness, and have a negative impact [25]. Kaźmierczak believes that the reduction of social support for vulnerable groups and the increasing degree of social disorders are due to the deterioration of neighborhood social ties [26].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Urban Parks as Green Buffers During the COVID-19 Pandemic

et al. 2020

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In many parts of the world, concerns about the COVID-19 pandemic and city quarantine policy have led to a general decline in the physical and mental health of residents due to insufficient social interaction. These adverse effects can cause potential public health risks. Ways to alleviate the adverse impact of the pandemic and meet social interaction needs must be widely addressed. This survey was conducted from 1–5 April 2020; it collected 386 responses from residents of Chengdu, China, during the pandemic based on an online survey questionnaire. The results indicate that most of the residents believe their health status is poor, and that they do not experience adequate social contact with others. Most of the respondents indicated no difference in mental health, while a few reported differences in their physical health and social interaction levels. Visiting urban parks can significantly improve overall health and assist in meeting individuals’ social interaction needs. Although residents have reduced the frequency of visits during the pandemic, even once a week can be beneficial. This paper emphasizes the critical role of urban parks during the pandemic period from the perspective of the urban building environment. The conclusion affirms that urban parks and large outdoor, open spaces can provide residents with a place for safe outdoor activities and social interaction in a green environment during a pandemic, as well as serve as a buffer area to maintain favorable health and quality of life.

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“…Specifically, social isolation was found to have a substantial impact upon well-being in older adults, accounting for around 70% of depression ( Golden et al, 2009 ). In addition, physical activity (through functional ability) has been shown to improve other dimensions of well-being, such as quality of life ( Hyde et al, 2003 ; Törnvall et al, 2016 ; McPhee et al, 2016 ; Jackson et al, 2019 ) or Health Related Quality of Life (HRQoL) ( Kawecka-Jaszcz et al, 2013 ; Forte et al, 2015 ), and reduce depressive symptoms ( Conn, 2010 ; Holmquist et al, 2017 ). Moreover, the Madrid International Plan of Action on Ageing and its Regional Implementation Strategy (MIPAA/RIS) for the 56 UNECE countries explicitly links AAI domains with recommendations emerging from policies aimed at promoting active ageing.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%