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Longitudinal analyses indicate bidirectional associations between loneliness and health
Dianna M Phillips1, Deborah Finkel2,3, Andrew J Petkus4
1Department of Psychology, University of California, Riverside, CA, USA.
Aging & Mental Health
|June 14, 2022
Summary
Loneliness negatively impacts health starting at age 70. Later in life, poor health increases loneliness, especially objective health issues. These bidirectional links change with age.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Public Health
- Psychology
Background:
- Loneliness is a growing concern in aging populations.
- Understanding the interplay between loneliness and health is crucial for well-being in later life.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the temporal relationship between loneliness and health (objective and subjective) in mid-to-late adulthood.
- To investigate age-related changes in these associations.
Main Methods:
- Longitudinal data from 1,939 participants in 3 Swedish twin studies were analyzed.
- Bivariate dual-change-score models were used to assess dynamic associations across age groups (50-69, 70-81, 82+).
Main Results:
- Bidirectional associations were found between loneliness and health.
- Loneliness adversely impacted both subjective and objective health from age 70 onwards.
- Health impacted loneliness after age 82, with objective health showing a stronger association.
Conclusions:
- The dynamic between loneliness and health evolves with age in adulthood.
- Loneliness affects health earlier, while health impacts loneliness later in life.
- Worsening health may impede social interaction, increasing loneliness in older adults.
Keywords:
Lonelinessage-based analysisagingdual-change-score modeldynamic associationsfunctional impairmentself-rated healthMore Related Videos
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