Using data collected from a sample of older Mississippians, we examine whether race
has a modifying effect on the predictors of three underlying dimensions of social
isolation: interaction with relatives, feelings of loneliness, and interaction with
friends and neighbors. The study shows similarities and differences between black
and white respondents regarding those factors predictive of social isolation within
each subgroup. These findings are helpful in developing profiles to describe those
older blacks and whites who may be at greatest risk of experiencing social isolation.
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