Research
Julianne Holt-Lunstad, PhD serves as the engAGED Project Research Advisor. As Professor of Psychology and Neuroscience at Brigham Young University, Dr. Holt-Lunstad’s research is focused on the long-term health effects of social connection. Her work has been seminal in the recognition of social isolation and loneliness as risk factors for early mortality. To read more of Dr. Holt-Lunstad’s research, visit julianneholtlunstad.byu.edu/publications.
Reach below for additional social engagement and social isolation research.
Why it Matters
engAGED conducted a poll of Aging Network organizations and community partners to learn about how they have adjusted their social engagement programs as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The poll findings are included in the data brief, which highlights the social engagement interventions the Aging Network has offered throughout the pandemic for older adults, people with disabilities and caregivers.
Addressing Social Isolation to Improve the Health of Older Adults
This review evaluates the impact of interventions that target social isolation/loneliness in older adults, and the related outcomes of social isolation/loneliness, health and health care utilization.
Research Connecting Social Contact with Lower Dementia Risk
Results from this research study suggests that more frequent social contact during the latter half of life is associated with lower risk of dementia. This study is the follow-up to an original observational cohort study that examined the ‘protective effect’ that social contact provides against dementia.
Loneliness and Social Isolation in the United States, the United Kingdom, and Japan: An International Survey
The Kaiser Family Foundation in partnership with the Economist recently released an international survey which outlines the prevalence of and how people view the issues of loneliness and social isolation. One key finding is that while some respondents view technology as contributing to these issues, others see social media as contributing to connections.Rural Aging: Health and Community Policy Implications for Reversing Social Isolation
The report from a roundtable discussion hosted by the Bipartisan Policy Center (BPC) titled “Rural Aging: Health and Community Policy Implications for Reversing Social Isolation” in Washington, D.C., on June 7, 2018. The report provides a definition of social isolation, an analysis of the impact isolation has on older adults in rural areas and a discussion on action oriented solutions.Social Isolation and Loneliness in Older Adults: Opportunities for the Health Care System
A report from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine summarizes the social isolation and loneliness evidence base and explores how social isolation and loneliness impacts health and quality of life of older adults. The report offers recommendations for health care to translate research into practice.
Research from Yale and the University of Maryland found older adults who are socially isolated before hospitalization in the ICU have an increased risk of disability and mortality in the year following their hospitalization. Programs to increase social engagement and connectedness help reduce social isolation among older adults recovering from critical illness, and the study’s researchers plan to focus future analyses on improving social participation among older adults recovering from hospitalizations.
A recent study published in the Journal of Aging and Mental Health found that mortality was higher among older women and men who are experiencing higher levels of loneliness or social isolation. This study is notable because the importance of social isolation and loneliness for survival and examination of gender differences are rarely analyzed in the same study. The article seeks to explore the separate and combined effects of social isolation and loneliness with consideration of gender differences.
Social Isolation and Loneliness Among Rural and Urban People with Disabilities
A recent study from the University of Montana Rural Institute found that people with disabilities aged 50-64 were more than twice as likely as people without disabilities to report social isolation and loneliness. Researchers posit that structural barriers to employment and transportation may be significant predictors of this trend.
Evaluation of Social Isolation, Loneliness and Cardiovascular Disease Among Older Women in the US
This cohort study examined whether there are associations between social isolation, loneliness and cardiovascular disease among older women. Findings indicate that older women with greater social isolation and greater loneliness had a 13 to 27 percent higher risk of cardiovascular disease, compared with women who reported lower rates of social isolation and loneliness.
Loneliness, Social Isolation and All-Cause Mortality in a Large Sample of Older Adults
Using data from a large random sample, this study examined the effect of loneliness and social isolation on mortality on older adults. Researchers found that both loneliness and social isolation contribute to greater risk of mortality within the population studied.
This systematic review analyzed 17 studies to examine loneliness and social isolation specifically in Hispanic/Latinx older adults. The studies found loneliness is associated with a greater number of comorbid conditions and social isolation is associated with worse physical health within this population.
Understanding Social and Emotional Loneliness Among Black Older Adults: A Scoping Review
A recent literature review drew on 27 studies conducted across the globe to examine the influence of factors contributing to loneliness in black older adults. The article mapped the data across Weiss’ Social Provision Framework, which includes provisions such as social integration and attachment. Given the lack of knowledge on addressing loneliness in this population, the authors indicated that there is a need for further research to pinpoint relevant interventions.
COVID-19 Research
Addressing Loneliness & Social Isolation During the Pandemic
An infographic from the National Institute for Health Care Management (NIHCM) Foundation highlights social isolation and loneliness during the COVID-19 pandemic. The infographic includes definitions of social isolation and loneliness, recent data, risk factors associated with loneliness and impacts on health, and key strategies and solutions to address social isolation and loneliness.
The Pandemic Effect: A Social Isolation Report
A new study from AARP Foundation and the United Health Foundation, The Pandemic Effect: A Social Isolation Report, details results from an August 2020 survey of more than 2,000 adults in the United States. The report examines the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on adults of all ages and includes a breakdown of responses among adults age 50 and older by gender and income level. According to the report, more than six in 10 adults age 50 and older report experiencing social isolation since the pandemic began.
AgingConnected, Closing the Connectivity Gap for Older Americans
Older Adults Technology Services (OATS)—a member of the engAGED Project Advisory Committee—released a new report in partnership with the Humana Foundation on the digital divide for older adults and the impact this has on their health and well-being.
Older Adults’ Mental Health Shows Some Signs of Resilience Amid the Ongoing Pandemic
NORC at the University of Chicago conducted a recent NSHAP-COVID Study with funding from the National Institute on Aging that examined the social, psychological and health impacts of COVID-19 on older adults. Data from a recent study demonstrate that older adults' overall mental health shows signs of resilience; however, it is worse off in some aspects.
Experiences of Nursing Home Residents During the Pandemic
An Altarum Institute report highlights a summer 2020 survey of nursing home residents on their experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic. The findings show nursing home residents have experienced a significant reduction in social activities and report increased feelings of loneliness since the pandemic began. The report contains survey data and recommendations on ways to safely reduce social isolation and loneliness among nursing home residents.
One in Four Older Adults Report Anxiety or Depression Amid the COVID-19 Pandemic
This issue brief from the Kaiser Family Foundation highlights a survey of older adults conducted from March to August 2020 that found the rate of anxiety or depression among older adults is significantly higher in 2020 than a 2018 study.
2021 Tech Trends and the 50-Plus: Top 10 Biggest Trends
An AARP research report found a rise in technology ownership and use among older adults. While technology has enabled some older adults to better weather isolation during the COVID-19 pandemic, the adoption and reliance on technology and access to internet remains uneven.
Loneliness Among Older Adults Before and During the COVID-19 Pandemic
The University of Michigan National Poll on Healthy Aging found a substantial increase in loneliness among older adults during March-June 2020 when compared to a similar poll conducted prior to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Continued Impact of COVID-19 on Area Agencies on Aging and Their Clients in 2021
In a poll of Area Agencies on Aging conducted by USAging, AAAs indicated social isolation is the greatest challenge facing the older adults and caregivers they serve.
COVID-19’s Impact on People with Disabilities
An Easterseals study found an increase in social isolation among people with disabilities during the COVID-19 pandemic, which also has resulted in a subsequent increase in mental health challenges for people with disabilities.
A study published in the Journal of Stress and Health reports that increased social isolation was the top COVID-19 pandemic-related stressor experienced by people with disabilities.
Recent research has illuminated the important role physical activity and exercise at home can have on reducing social isolation during the COVID-19 pandemic. Lockdowns and the resulting isolation have caused significant changes and interruption to physical activity routines, which directly affect the self-confidence, autonomy and self-esteem of older adults, all of which are protective factors for good mental health.
Changes in activity levels, physical functioning, and fall risk during the COVID-19 pandemic
A recent survey suggests the pandemic has negatively impacted fall risk and physical functioning among older adults experiencing social isolation and reduced physical activity. Researchers’ analysis of the survey results found decreased physical activity and time spent on one’s feet and increased social isolation were associated with worsened physical condition and mobility among respondents. Worsened mobility was associated with a greater risk of falling and fear of falling, while worsened physical condition and social isolation were associated with a greater fear of falling.
Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Loneliness and Social Isolation: A Multi-Country Study
A 2020 transnational survey of more than 20,000 respondents from 101 different countries found that the prevalence of severe loneliness was 21 percent during the COVID-19 pandemic, compared with 6 percent reporting severe loneliness prior to the pandemic. The survey found that 13 percent of respondents experienced a substantial increase in isolation during the pandemic. In addition, the survey showed that maintaining connections and managing loneliness and social isolation has proven particularly challenging for vulnerable groups, including those with inadequate finances and poor mental health, as well as caregivers and those who live alone.
This article suggests that, among older adults, social exclusion and social safety nets are social determinants of health that may be affected by physical distancing measures. The article highlights a student-led, community health promotion program that has scaled into a nationwide effort in Canada to improve social connection among older adults as an example of a successful adaptation of health promotion program.
A recent study explored the long-term impact of the pandemic on loneliness, with a focus on people living with visual impairment. An online survey conducted in April 2020 and repeated in March 2021 found that loneliness was significantly higher in participants with a disability, particularly those with visual impairment, than in participants with no disabilities. Further research is needed to explore how different types of disability may have impacted health and well-being during the pandemic.
Recent research published in the Journal of Advanced Nursing examines the psychological impacts of social isolation among older adults during the pandemic and explores the possible benefits and limitations of online interventions used to lessen its effects. Common barriers of online interventions include lack of technology access and proficiency as well as attitudes toward receiving virtual support.
A new report from the University of Montana’s Research and Training Center on Disability in Rural Communities found that people with disabilities reported more social isolation but lower rates of loneliness than they had experienced before the COVID-19 pandemic. This may be attributable to opportunities to engage online which have reduced structural barriers such as limited transportation options and inaccessible environments.
Findings from this scoping review—which looked at journal articles from 2010 to 2020—found that assistive technology is shown to reduce loneliness and social isolation, strengthen social support and promote resilience among older adults.
Findings from this qualitative study show the UK's social prescribing system helped many people receive support remotely during the pandemic. However, some populations experienced a more limited impact of the remote support. The findings demonstrate the need for services to be more accessible for digitally excluded groups.
A systematic review of 30 studies conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic to assess the prevalence of social isolation and loneliness in older adults found that the pooled period prevalence of loneliness among older adults was approximately 29 percent and approximately 31 percent for social isolation. The review also found that studies conducted three months after the start of the pandemic showed significantly higher rates of loneliness and social isolation compared to studies conducted within the first three months of the pandemic.
This cross-sectional study found that caregivers of people with physical and brain health conditions in English-speaking regions have experienced significant increases in care burden, social isolation and loneliness as compared to pre-pandemic levels. Researchers state that levels of loneliness and isolation were highest amongst caregivers of people with both brain health and physical conditions and indicate a need for targeted interventions to address these outcomes.
Virtual Lifelong Learning Among Older Adults: Usage and Impact During the COVID-19 Pandemic
This study to determine the effect of online programming on feelings of social isolation in older adults showed strong associations between participants who frequently attended online programs and increased feelings of connectedness, improved spirits and decreased feelings of isolation.
Further Research
Free Rides Could Lead to Better Health Outcomes for Older Americans
Researchers at the University of Sothern California’s Center for Body Computing found that using rideshares programs can help with older adults’ access medical care, and subsequently reduce their likelihood to be social isolated. A total of 150 older adults were provided free transportation through rideshare applications over a period of three months. The results indicate that providing access to transportation can be especially helpful in keeping the older adults healthy and more engaged.
Harvard Study of Adult Development
Over 80 years ago, a NIH funded study began to track the health of 268 Harvard sophomores. This study had continued to track both the original cohort of whom few are still alive, while also adding their offspring and a control group of Boston inner-city residents.“The surprising finding is that our relationships and how happy we are in our relationships has a powerful influence on our health,” said Robert Waldinger, director of the study, a psychiatrist at Massachusetts General Hospital and a professor of psychiatry at Harvard Medical School. “Taking care of your body is important, but tending to your relationships is a form of self-care too. That, I think, is the revelation.”
To learn more about this important study and to view an interesting Ted Talk by Dr. Robert Waldinger the current Director of the study click here.
Volunteer for Your Health
A new study released by the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS), provides evidence that consistent volunteering can improve the health and well-being of people age 55 and older. The study examined how participation in national service contributes to changes in health and well-being of Senior Corps volunteers. A companion study explored the health benefits to caregivers who receive support from Senior Corps Senior Companion volunteers.Shared Sites are Smart Solutions
The recently released “All In Together: Creating Places Where Young And Old Thrive” report from Generations United and The Eisner Foundation includes the findings of two national surveys, profiles of model programs and recommendations for how we can increase the number of the intergenerational shared sites. The report provides case studies and recommendations that illustrate how shared sites as an approach primed to remedy can remedy isolations and loneliness in older adults. Greater awareness of the potential of shared sites can create new environments to confront ageism, break down the barriers of age-segregation and forge long-lasting and life-changing intergenerational bonds.2016 AARP Social Engagement and Brain Health Survey
An AARP study conducted in 2016 which examines the relationship between social engagement, isolation, and loneliness and brain health, physical health and mental well-being in adults 40+.How Can You Measure Loneliness?
The Campaign to End Loneliness works throughout the United Kingdom to reduce the impact of loneliness on people of all ages. One resource that has been developed addresses various approaches for measuring loneliness in individuals. To read or download their guide on “Measuring Your Impact on Loneliness in Later Life” visit this website.Medicare Spends More on Socially Isolated Older Adults
“Medicare Spends More on Socially Isolated Older Adults”, an AARP Public Policy Institute report from 2017, that outlines the relationship between social isolation and Medicare spending.New research from the University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public Health found that older adults with greater levels of social engagement have a higher amount of gray matter in parts of the brain relevant to dementia, suggesting that older adults who are socially engaged on a regular basis may be protected against cognitive decline which can help ward off dementia.
A new study from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) supports the idea that positive social interactions are a human need and that those who are isolated crave social interactions, similar to how those who are hungry crave food.
An analysis published in Health and Social Care in the Community provides evidence that social community services can reduce social isolation in middle-aged and older adults. The study evaluates Community Connectors, an existing service in England that offers access to social activities within communities for adults to reduce social isolation and loneliness.
A National Alliance for Caregiving and AARP study of more than 1,400 unpaid family caregivers paints a portrait of the state of caregiving in an aging America, including the isolation and loneliness caregivers are experiencing.
Rate of Living Alone by Rurality and Age
Pulling from data from the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2013-2017 American Community Survey Five-Year Estimates, the University of Minnesota Rural Health Research Center found living alone, which is associated with higher risk of social isolation, is more common in non-metro counties, with a pattern of high rates of living alone in the Great Plains region.
Tech Adoption Climbs Among Older Adults
Pre-pandemic Pew Research Center surveys examine the digital connectedness of older adults, finding an increase in owning of smartphones, internet use and home broadband adoption among older adults.
Long-term care residents may be more susceptible to social isolation if they live in neighborhoods lacking social connection. A recent, cross-sectional study found that long-term care facilities located in socially isolated neighborhoods were associated with an increased risk of 30-day all-cause death among residents.
Meals on Wheels Pet Programming and Client Needs Assessment Report
Meals on Wheels America conducted a research project examining social isolation and loneliness and the role that pets can play in providing comfort and companionship for their clients. The report details the needs, challenges, and opportunities for pet programming and bridging the gap between social services and animal welfare.
Studies show how neighborhoods may help preserve older adults’ cognitive health
Three recent University of Michigan studies show that urban and suburban neighborhoods that provide opportunities for socialization, physical activity and intellectual stimulation may help preserve cognitive health in older adults. Researchers found that older adults living in neighborhoods that provide easy access to to physical activity and socialization were about three years younger in terms of cognitive health than those who had little access to exercise and social activity. Additionally, the study also found that older adults with access to intellectually stimulating places such as museums, education campuses and libraries had about a five-year positive difference in cognitive age.
A recent study investigated the relationship between structural social support, functional support and loneliness among older adults living in cities, towns and rural areas. The results showed that older adults living in cities and rural areas had higher structural social support and experienced less loneliness than older adults living in towns, with no difference in functional support.
This longitudinal study examined the impact of a peer-outreach intervention among low-income older adults from diverse backgrounds who were recruited at an urban senior center in San Francisco, CA. The study found that the participants experienced reduced loneliness, depression and barriers to socializing. Researchers noted that matching peers to participants by shared backgrounds facilitated rapport and bonding.
The results from this cross-sectional study show that bonding social capital, or connections between similar groups of people, is an important factor in positive aging. In other words, connections with people who share similar experiences or interests, can contribute to healthy aging. The study also found that using digital media to facilitate access to groups of people with shared interests had a greater impact on healthy aging than simply expanding the number of social contacts.
In this study, researchers paired older adults with undergraduate students for a virtual service project and found that intergenerational virtual service-learning can effectively address loneliness and ageism.
Impact of Digital Social Media on the Perception of Loneliness and Social Isolation in Older Adults
Studies from 2014 to 2020 were analyzed for this integrative literature review on older adults’ use of social media and perceptions of loneliness and social isolation. Key findings show social media can play a role in reducing loneliness and limiting the barriers that can contribute to social isolation among older adults.
Social Isolation and Loneliness Among Near-Centenarians and Centenarians
Utilizing data from the Fordham Centenarian Study, this study investigated the co-occurrence of social isolation and loneliness in near-centenarians and centenarians. Based on differences of prevalence of loneliness and social isolation within the four study groups, researchers noted that identifying key characteristics of specific groups can help with designing tailored, person-centered interventions that address the needs of each specific group.
Older Immigrant Adults’ Experiences with Social Isolation: A Qualitative Interpretive Meta Synthesis
Findings from this study highlight that older immigrants are at risk of social isolation due to linguistic barriers and a lack of social connections in their new home. However, researchers identified ways to help to bolster social networks and connections including accessible senior centers and other community programs and services.
A cross-sectional study assessed whether internalized age stereotypes serve as a mediator in the relationship between volunteering and social connectedness for older adults. Evidence suggests that internalized positive age stereotypes partially mediate this relationship and volunteering may promote positive views of aging.
This paper describes research-driven guidelines for delivering tele-wellness interventions to older adults through utilization of videoconferencing. Included are strategies for designing programs, how to support remote participants and tips to promote social engagement.
Global Developments in Social Prescribing
In this article, social prescribing, or connecting individuals to necessary non-clinical social supports, was examined in 17 countries across the globe. The study gleans lessons learned that can be applied at the local level for tailored social prescribing interventions.
Housing Unit Type and Perceived Social Isolation Among Senior Housing Community Residents
This journal article from The Gerontologist studies the association of types of housing units within a senior housing community and perceived social isolation amongst older adults. The results found the built environment has an impact on perceived social isolation, with older adults living in a townhome-style housing unit having approximately a 10 percent less chance of reporting social isolation as a result of living in this type of housing unit, compared with those living in an apartment building-style unit.
How Well Do Remote Programs Reduce Loneliness Among Older Adults?
In this systematic review, the authors sought to uncover the effects of remote-delivered interventions in reducing loneliness in older adults. Results showed that remote interventions could reduce feelings of loneliness and that factors such as method of delivery, format of intervention and measurement time points can impact effectiveness.
Social Connectedness of Carers: An Australian National Survey of Carers
This quantitative study examined the social connectedness of Australian carers (caregivers) and factors that may be related to their social well-being. The analysis found some of the factors associated with greater social isolation include longer duration of caring, living with the care recipient and receiving no help from others. Some of the factors associated with poorer social connectedness include identifying as female or nonbinary/gender diverse and identifying with a culturally or linguistically diverse background.
Using data from the 2014 and 2016 Health and Retirement Study, this study assessed sociodemographic factors as well as neighborhood and environment conditions associated with social isolation among respondents who self-identified as Black. Sociodemographic factors—specifically gender, education and household income—were significantly associated with social isolation.
This study evaluates the impact of the NEST Collaborative, a Nevada statewide initiative that began offering social support for older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic via weekly one-on-one phone calls led by volunteers of all ages. The results suggest that the program led to a modest reduction in social isolation and depression among participants, though more research is needed on the outcomes of remote, multi-generational, volunteer-led interventions