Reciprocal and Dynamic Associations between Social Isolation, Loneliness, and Disability among Chinese Older Adults

Objectives: This study aimed to examine reciprocal and dynamic associations between Social Isolation (SI), loneliness, and disability among Chinese older adults. Design: This is a prospective cohort study. Setting and Participants: The global trend of population aging has resulted in a significant rise in the prevalence of disabilities, SI, and loneliness among older adults. These factors can severely impact the health and well-being of older adults. Therefore, it is crucial to implement more efficient interventions aimed at reducing disabilities, addressing SI, and combating loneliness among older adults in order to improve their overall health and well-being. Methods: Using a large, nationally representative sample spanning 16 years, we employed the general cross-lagged panel model to explore the relationships among 50,348 older adults with a mean age of 81.83 at baseline. Disability was measured by a comprehensive index tool that incorporated multiple dimensions. SI was measured using an SI index, and loneliness was evaluated using a single-item measure. Results: SI emerged as a stronger predictor of disability than loneliness. Longitudinal analysis revealed accumulative disadvantages in the association between SI and disability. Additionally, disability was found to contribute to increased SI and loneliness. However, our study did not detect any variance in the strength of the cross-lagged effects between social isolation and disability. Conclusions and Implications: The findings suggest that reducing SI is crucial for reducing disability among older adults. Initiating early interventions to minimize initial SI could aid in preventing later-life disability. Additionally, addressing disabilities may positively impact the reduction of loneliness and SI within this population.