Social exclusion in old age: a validation study in Hong Kong

To validate a measure of social exclusion for older people based on one already in use for the general population.

A random sample of 2281 older adults (age ranged from 65 to 89; mean age = 74.9; 52.6% females) were successfully interviewed face-to-face at their homes. The structured questionnaire included household income, household expenditure, asset, self-perceived poverty, household composition, socioeconomic characteristics of participants, and a measure of social exclusion.

Using factor analysis, we identified two dimensions in the measure of social exclusion, namely 'neighborhood exclusion' and 'limited social participation.' The internal consistency of the social exclusion index (Cronbach's alpha = 0.80) and its two dimensions were found to be adequate (Cronbach's alpha = 0.81-0.84). Its concurrent validity was also good and showed a significant correlation between household income (r = 0.28, p < 0.01), personal assets (r = 0.34, p < 0.01), and self-perceived poverty (r = 0.43, p < 0.01).

The results indicate that it is possible to develop a social exclusion measure that is valid and reliable for older Hong Kong Chinese people. This measure can help policy-makers decide on the priorities and develop policies that better meet the needs of older people.