“We see each other from a distance”: Neighbourhood social relationships during the COVID-19 pandemic matter for older adults’ social connectedness

IntroductionWe extend previous research to illustrate how individual, interpersonal and neighbourhood factors in a high-density urban setting in Vancouver, Canada, shape social connectedness experiences of community-dwelling older adults during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic.MethodsWe conducted 31 semi-structured interviews and collected objective measures of loneliness and social connectedness (surveys).ResultsThree dimensions of the neighbourhood environment influenced social connectedness: (i) interactions with neighbours, (ii) involvement with neighbourhood-based organizations, and (ii) outdoor pedestrian spaces. Seventy-one percent of participants felt a strong sense of belonging to their local community, while 39% were classified as high or extremely lonely.SummaryMany participants leveraged pre-existing social ties to maintain connections during the pandemic. However, volunteer outreach was vital for more isolated older adults. Although many participants felt lonely and isolated at times, the relative ease and accessibility with which they could connect with others in their neighbourhood environment, may have helped mitigate persistent loneliness.ConclusionStrategies that foster social connectedness over the longer term, need to prioritize the needs of older adults who face multiple barriers to equitable social participation.     

Staying Connected: The Lived Experiences of Volunteers and Older Adults

Many housebound older adults lack meaningful social relationships. In this study we explore the phenomenon of social connectedness in the volunteer-older adult relationship through the experiences of frail and isolated older adults and volunteers. We conceptualise this relationship as a journey whereby each traveller plays an active role in its direction and outcome. The emergent phenomenological essence of social connectedness from these dyad’s narratives provides meaning for both differences and similarities into the way the construct is conceptualised. When volunteers maintain the boundaries of the relationship through structured conversation and visits, it is described as friendly. Transgressing the boundaries involves doing extra for the elder and is both a function of the dyad’s compatibility, and the volunteer’s sense of ongoing agency and lack of elder expectations. The sense of social connectedness inherent in these relationships often feels like that of friendship or family, and these relationships are perceived as meaningful and close for both parties. Social connectedness in family-like relationships is a function of the playing out of an otherwise missing family role. However, if volunteer volition is compromised, this results in feelings of obligation and responsibility, similar to the dynamic between blood relatives. Participants’ narratives suggest that when the boundaries of the relationship are mutually negotiated, this serves to strengthen the relationship’s socioemotional quality, and potential for the continuity of the unique sense of social connectedness that has already been established.

Hearing Impairment,Loneliness, Social Isolation,and Cognitive Function: Longitudinal Analysis Using English Longitudinal Study on Ageing

ObjectiveThis study examines the relationships between hearing impairment and cognitive function among older adults, and whether that association is mediated by loneliness and social isolation.MethodsData were drawn from English Longitudinal Study of Ageing (ELSA) wave two (2004/2005) until wave seven (2014/2015). The study sample consisted of 8,199 individuals aged 50 years or older. Cognitive function was measured using episodic memory. We performed analysis using a generalized structural equation modeling (GSEM) technique.ResultsGSEM analysis shows that the direct effect of hearing impairment on episodic memory was negative and significant (β = ?0.29, p <0.001). Loneliness and social isolation mediated that effect. Hearing impairment was positively associated with loneliness (β = 0.10, p <0.001) and social isolation (β = 0.04, p <0.001). Loneliness (β = ?0.08, p <0.001) and social isolation (β = ?0.09, p = 0.001) were significantly associated with lower memory scores.ConclusionThe link between hearing impairment and episodic memory was partly mediated by loneliness and social isolation. Interventions to improve the social networks of older adults with hearing impairment are likely to be beneficial in preventing cognitive decline. Thus, the importance of maintaining social relationships among older adults, especially those with hearing impairment is highlighted.     

边疆少数民族地区寄宿制小学生同伴关系、亲子沟通与孤独感之间的关系

目的:分析边疆少数民族地区的农村寄宿制小学生同伴关系、亲子沟通和孤独感之间的关系,探讨影响孤独感的内在机制。方法:采用同伴关系量表、亲子沟通问卷和孤独感量表对463名边疆少数民族地区寄宿制小学生进行调查,用结构方程对三者之间的因果关系构建模型,并用收集来的数据进行模型拟合。结果:1同伴关系、亲子沟通和孤独感有密切的相关关系;2亲子沟通对孤独感产生直接影响,路径系数分别为-0.45和-0.30;3同伴关系是亲子沟通对孤独感产生影响的中介因素,亲子沟通通过同伴接受和同伴恐惧自卑影响孤独感的路径系数分别为-0.47和0.57。结论:亲子关系、同伴关系和孤独感之间的关系表现为亲子关系不仅对孤独感产生直接影响,还通过同伴关系这一中介对孤独感产生影响。     

The Loneliness of Aging

Isolation and loneliness have become buzz words when discussing older adults during the coronavirus disease pandemic; yet, these are age-old problems. Both have been studied extensively, yet there currently is no rapid or succinct tool that can be used in the emergency department to screen for either, or a consensus of evidence-based ways to correct these issues. This is of concern because both loneliness and social isolation have been linked to poor health. Poor health, in turn, can lead to worse isolation and loneliness. These health problems may lead to the older adult seeking care in the emergency department where screening and initial treatment could be initiated. Suggestions for questions that emergency nurses can ask to identify an older adult who is lonely or suffers from social isolation, as well as steps to consider when encountering the older adult with complaints of loneliness and/or social isolation, are provided, with the realization that these are only the first steps of many that would need to be taken. The purpose of this article is to bring forward updated information that discusses loneliness and social isolation in older adults, a timely priority during the coronavirus disease pandemic and often listed as a factor in older adult deaths. A review of relevant screening tools for use in the emergency department are provided.     

Mental well-being: A 16-year follow-up among older residents in Jyväskylä

This study investigated changes in perceived depression, anxiety and loneliness during a 16-year follow-up among elderly Jyväskylä residents born in 1914-1923. A further concern was with how perceived atmosphere in the formative environment was reflected in depression, anxiety and loneliness in old age. The first phase of the study took place in 1988 when interviews were conducted with 635 persons (241 men and 394 women). Depression and anxiety were assessed using the Finnish modified version of Beck's 13-item depression scale (RBDI), which was completed fully by 74% of the interviewees. Loneliness was assessed with a single four category item. In the second phase of the study in 1996, interviews were conducted with 410 persons, of whom 94% filled the RBDI questionnaire. In the third phase in 2004, the number of interviewees was 220 and the response rate 82%. There were no significant changes in the number of people with depressive symptomatology and anxiety, except in 1996 when the proportion of men with mild and moderate depression almost doubled. The number of men and women who felt lonely increased significantly during the 16-year follow-up. People who said they were lonely also had more depression and anxiety than others. People who had grown up in warm and safe environment were the most balanced mentally. The presence or absence of warmth and safety in the formative environment is reflected in mental well-being even at a very old age.     

A developmental social neuroscience model for understanding loneliness in adolescence

Loneliness is prevalent in adolescents. Although it can be a normative experience, children and adolescents who experience loneliness are often at risk for anxiety, depression, and suicide. Research efforts have been made to identify the neurobiological basis of such distressful feelings in our social brain. In adolescents, the social brain is still undergoing significant development, which may contribute to their increased and differential sensitivity to the social environment. Many behavioral studies have shown the significance of attachment security and social skills in adolescents’ interactions with the social world. In this review, we propose a developmental social neuroscience model that extends from the social neuroscience model of loneliness. In particular, we argue that the social brain and social skills are both important for the development of adolescents’ perceived loneliness and that adolescents’ familial attachment sets the baseline for neurobiological development. By reviewing the related behavioral and neuroimaging literature, we propose a developmental social neuroscience model to explain the heightened perception of loneliness in adolescents using social skills and attachment style as neurobiological moderators. We encourage future researchers to investigate adolescents’ perceived social connectedness from the developmental neuroscience perspective.     

农村失能老年人情绪社交孤独感与家庭功能的相关性研究

目的 探讨农村失能老年人情绪社交孤独感状况，并分析家庭功能对失能老年人孤独感的影响。方法 采用便利抽样的方法，抽取329名开封市农村失能老年人为调查对象，采用一般资料调查表、情绪社交孤独感量表（ESLI）、家庭关怀度指数问卷（APGAR）进行调查。结果 农村失能老年人情绪社交孤独感总分为（30.72±15.24）分，家庭功能总分为（5.85±1.73）分。家庭功能良好组有129人（占39.2%），家庭功能良好组失能老年人情绪社交孤独感得分低于家庭功能障碍组（均P＜0.01）。失能老年人孤独感总分及各维度得分与家庭功能呈负相关，相关系数为 - 0.180～ - 0.909（均P＜0.01）。分层回归分析显示，老年人失能程度、与照顾者关系、家庭功能是失能老年人情绪社交孤独感的重要影响因素，家庭功能可独立解释失能老年人孤独感37.5%的变异量。 结论 农村失能老年人情绪社交孤独感较重，孤独感与家庭功能呈负相关。协助失能老年人建立良好的家庭功能有助于改善其孤独感。