Social Connections in Older Adults With Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: Patient Perspectives

Interpersonal relationships are crucial to healthy aging. Social isolation is associated with multiple adverse health outcomes in older adults, including depression. Those with chronic conditions, such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), may be particularly vulnerable to social isolation. In this qualitative study, we elicited lived experiences of older adults with SLE related to social connections and emotional health.

Adults ≥65 years of age with SLE participated in semistructured interviews based on a descriptive phenomenological design to describe the experience of aging with SLE. We collected self-reported data on sociodemographic and disease characteristics, social networks, and health-related quality of life. We probed participants regarding their interpersonal relationships and the effect of SLE on general health in the context of aging. We analyzed qualitative data thematically.

Among 30 participants with a mean age of 71.3 years, three themes emerged as essential to characterizing aging with SLE: (1) social isolation, (2) perceived burden to loved ones, and (3) adverse mental health effects of SLE. Participants frequently reported social isolation, often related to SLE disease manifestations rather than unavailability of social networks and situated within the context of burdening loved ones and mental health effects of SLE.

Social isolation was commonly reported by older adults with SLE. Larger observational studies are needed to improve characterization of social isolation in this population and understand its association with depression and other adverse health outcomes. Investigational studies integrating strategies to improve social isolation in older adults with SLE may improve their health and well-being.