Abstract
Given the increasing complexity and fluidity of parenting, caregiving, and paid work patterns, in tandem with an increased risk of multimorbidity in mid-life, this study examines the relationship between these three concurrent roles and social isolation among middle-aged persons across multimorbidity statuses. Drawing upon life course theory, we applied linear mixed models to analyze 29,847 middle-aged participants from two waves of the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging. Findings reveal that participants experience greater social isolation over time, albeit the difference is extremely small. Among participants without multimorbidity, holding multiple roles is associated with lower social isolation. For those with multimorbidity, being employed full-time and providing intensive care are associated with social isolation. The occurrence of multiple roles demonstrates unique associations with social isolation among those with and without multimorbidity over time. Future research should study multimorbidity as a salient contextual variable. Moreover, enhanced support is needed for multimorbid middle-aged individuals with different role demands.
Highlights
There is a growing and widespread interest in studying multiple role demands and transitions among the middle-aged generation given their increasing complexity, fluidity, and influence on human development (Lachman et al, 2015)
Since middle-age is the period in life at which time chronic illness onset occurs, a question arises with respect to the association between juggling and competing role demands and patterns of social isolation interacting with experiences of multimorbidity
Among participants without multimorbidity, we found that participants who were employed full-time had a slower increase in social isolation over time compared to those who were unemployed from baseline to follow-up 1 wave
Summary
There is a growing and widespread interest in studying multiple role demands and transitions among the middle-aged generation given their increasing complexity, fluidity, and influence on human development (Lachman et al, 2015). The multiple roles assumed by the middle-aged generation are complicated by recent social, economic, and demographic trends, such as delayed childbearing, increased caregiving needs to support family members, more female labor market participation, and rapid population aging (Burke, 2017; Mitchell, 2021). This phase of the life course can have a prolonged and significant impact on the aging process itself in later life in terms of health and well-being outcomes (Chassin et al, 2010; Lachman & Agrigoroaei, 2010). This study aims to understand these interrelated processes of aging by utilizing longitudinal data that allows for modeling and understanding change in mid-life experiences
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