The Association Between Homebound Status and Social Isolation in the United States: A Longitudinal Study with 9 Years of Follow-Up

Abstract

Guided by the Convoy Model of Social Relations, this study examines the longitudinal association between homebound status and social isolation in the United States. Data were drawn from the National Health and Aging Trends Study (Rounds 1–9, N = 6,464). Participants were categorized as non-homebound, semi-homebound, or homebound. The level of social isolation was measured across four domains: marital status, religious participation, club participation, and family and friends. Mixed-effects regression models were used to examine the longitudinal associations between homebound status and social isolation over 9 years. In Round 1, both semi-homebound and homebound older adults reported higher levels of social isolation compared to non-homebound older adults. However, compared to non-homebound older adults, neither semi-homebound older adults nor homebound older adults differed significantly in their trajectories of social isolation. Findings are discussed through the lens of the Convoy Model of Social Relations.