@article{ref1,
title="Social isolation and loneliness: prospective associations with functional status in older adults",
journal="Health psychology",
year="2016",
author="Shankar, Aparna and McMunn, Anne and Demakakos, Panayotes and Hamer, Mark and Steptoe, Andrew",
volume="36",
number="2",
pages="179-187",
abstract="OBJECTIVE: The present analysis aimed to examine the associations of isolation and loneliness, individually as well as simultaneously, with 2 measures of functional status (gait speed and difficulties in activities of daily living) in older adults over a 6-year period using data from the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing, and to assess if these associations differ by SES. <br><br>METHOD: Loneliness was measured using the short form of the Revised UCLA scale, and an index of social isolation was computed incorporating marital status; frequency of contact with friends, family, and children; and participation in social activities. Measures of functional status were assessed identically at baseline and 6 years later for 3070 participants (mean age 69 years). Wealth was used as an indicator of SES. <br><br>RESULTS: In fully and mutually adjusted models, social isolation and loneliness were found to be associated with a decrease in gait speed at follow-up, with stronger effects among more disadvantaged individuals. Loneliness was associated with an increase in difficulties with activities of daily living. <br><br>CONCLUSIONS: Isolation and loneliness were adversely associated with different aspects of functional status. Interventions to reduce isolation and loneliness may be particularly beneficial for individuals in disadvantaged groups. (PsycINFO Database Record<br><br>(c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved).<p /> <p>Language: en</p>",
language="en",
issn="0278-6133",
doi="10.1037/hea0000437",
url="http://dx.doi.org/10.1037/hea0000437"
}