Together,but Isolated: A Dyadic Study of Social Isolation in Older Adults and Caregivers

Abstract

Objectives

Social isolation has negative health implications for older adults and caregivers. We examine the interdependency of social isolation among community-dwelling Medicare beneficiaries and their primary caregivers.

Methods

Using data from the National Study of Caregiving and the National Health and Aging Trends Study (2015–2017, N = 522 dyads), we conducted actor-partner interdependence models to examine the dyadic associations between baseline social isolation and social isolation at 2-year follow-up among older adults and caregivers. We also tested for effect modification by dementia status and relationship type.

Results

There was a low but significant correlation of baseline social isolation levels within dyads. Older adults’ baseline social isolation was positively associated with caregivers’ social isolation at follow-up but not vice versa. No evidence of effect modification was found.

Conclusion

Reducing social isolation among older adults may benefit their caregivers. Future investigation of relationship quality and shared social activities of caregiving dyads is warranted.