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Loneliness Relates to Functional Mobility in Older Adults with Type 2 Diabetes: The Look AHEAD Study
Jeanne M McCaffery1, Andrea Anderson2, Mace Coday3
1Department of Allied Health Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, USA.
Journal of Aging Research
|November 12, 2020
Summary
Loneliness negatively impacts physical health in older adults with type 2 diabetes. Increased loneliness is linked to greater disability and slower walking speed in this population.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Diabetology
- Public Health
Background:
- Loneliness is a growing concern among the elderly population.
- Physical health complications are prevalent in older adults with type 2 diabetes, particularly those who are overweight or obese.
- The interplay between loneliness and physical health in this specific demographic remains under-explored.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between loneliness and physical health outcomes.
- To examine the relationship between loneliness, disability, and objective physical function in elderly individuals with type 2 diabetes and overweight or obesity.
Main Methods:
- Utilized data from the Look AHEAD study, a diverse cohort of individuals aged 61-92.
- Included participants with overweight or obesity and type 2 diabetes.
- Data were collected 5-6 years post a 10-year weight loss randomized controlled trial.
Main Results:
- Loneliness scores were significantly correlated with increased disability symptoms (p < 0.01).
- Higher loneliness was associated with slower 4-meter gait speed (p < 0.01).
- No significant differences in loneliness were observed across different treatment arms.
Conclusions:
- Loneliness is a significant factor associated with disability and reduced mobility in older adults with type 2 diabetes and overweight or obesity.
- These findings highlight the importance of addressing loneliness to improve physical health outcomes in this vulnerable population.
- Further research is warranted to explore interventions targeting loneliness to mitigate its physical health consequences.
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