The various social distancing measures introduced during the Covid pandemic had an obvious impact on our social isolation, with loneliness, especially among vulnerable populations, becoming a considerable concern around the world.
Research from Texas A&M University looked at isolation among older people to explore factors that may have contributed to the isolation and also effective prevention behaviors.
Exploring isolation
The researchers surveyed several hundred older adults from the Houston area to understand how often they felt lonely or isolated, as well as whether they felt they could get the help they needed. The survey also recorded the age, sex, race, and ethnicity of each recipient, as well as their education and income.
A majority of the respondents had some form of college education, but apart from that, they represented a diverse proportion of the Houston population. The results found that around half had either had Covid themselves or had close family who had been diagnosed with the virus. A similar proportion reported practicing social distancing, with 10% saying they felt socially isolated.
The data also revealed that women and older adults with university degrees were more likely to say that they felt isolated during the pandemic. The researchers suggest that their findings highlight some of the unintended consequences of attempts to stymie the spread of the virus.
“This highlights the importance of supporting people like older adults and people living with disabilities who may be more vulnerable to feelings of isolation,” they explain. “However, differences between racial and ethnic groups demonstrate the need for culturally relevant interventions rather than a one-size-fits-all approach.”
A unique approach
For instance, the authors suggest that Hispanic or African American seniors might be more likely to rely on community groups, such as their church, for social support. Similarly, adults with chronic medical conditions or additional caregiving needs may be more likely to feel socially isolated.
While the researchers accept that their findings may in themselves be unique to the Houston area, and also may not be applicable to analyses of younger people, they are nonetheless useful for our understanding of social isolation during the pandemic.
“Despite these limitations, this study clarifies some of the factors involved in feelings of social isolation in older adults,” the researchers conclude. “Social distancing efforts can reduce the spread of contagious diseases; however, it is important that public health officials consider how such interventions may adversely affect those groups most in need of protection.”
