Social network size, loneliness, physical functioning and depressive symptoms among older adults: examining reciprocal associations in four waves of the Longitudinal Aging Study Amsterdam (LASA)
Introduction Previous research indicates that social isolation, loneliness, physical dysfunction and depressive symptoms are interrelated factors, little is known about the potential pathways among them. The aim of the study is to analyse simultaneously reciprocal relationships that could exist betw...
| Autores: | , , , , , |
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| Tipo de recurso: | artículo |
| Fecha de publicación: | 2021 |
| País: | España |
| Institución: | Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya (UPC) |
| Repositorio: | UPCommons. Portal del coneixement obert de la UPC |
| Idioma: | inglés |
| OAI Identifier: | oai:upcommons.upc.edu:2117/346210 |
| Acceso en línea: | https://hdl.handle.net/2117/346210 https://dx.doi.org/10.1002/gps.5560 |
| Access Level: | acceso abierto |
| Palabra clave: | Older people -- Psychology Social isolation Depressive symptoms Loneliness Older adults Physical functioning Persones grans -- Psicologia Aïllament social Àrees temàtiques de la UPC::Ciències de la salut::Salut mental Àrees temàtiques de la UPC::Matemàtiques i estadística::Estadística aplicada::Estadística biosanitària |
| Sumario: | Introduction Previous research indicates that social isolation, loneliness, physical dysfunction and depressive symptoms are interrelated factors, little is known about the potential pathways among them. The aim of the study is to analyse simultaneously reciprocal relationships that could exist between the four factors to clarify potential mediation effects. Methods Within a large representative sample of older people in the Longitudinal Aging Study Amsterdam (LASA), participants aged 75 and over were followed up over a period of 11 years (four waves). We tested cross-lagged and autoregressive longitudinal associations of social network size, loneliness, physical functioning and depressive symptoms using structural equation modelling (SEM). Results Several statistically significant cross-lagged associations were found: decreasing physical functioning (Coef. = -0.03; p < 0.05), as well as social network size (Coef. = -0.02; p < 0.05), predicted higher levels of loneliness, which predicted an increase in depressive symptoms (Coef. = 0.17; p < 0.05) and further reduction of social network (Coef. = -0.20; p < 0.05). Decreasing physical functioning also predicted an increase in depressive symptoms (Coef. = -0.08; p < 0.05). All autoregressive associations were statistically significant. Conclusion Interventions focused on promoting social activities among older adults after negative life events, such as loss of social contacts or declining physical function, may alleviate feelings of loneliness and act as mental health protector. |
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