Abstract
Older adults face particular risks of exclusion from social relationships (ESR) and are especially vulnerable to its consequences. However, research so far has been limited to specific dimensions, countries, and time points. In this paper, we examine the prevalence and micro- and macro-level predictors of ESR among older adults (60+) using two waves of data obtained four years apart across 14 European countries in the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe (SHARE). We consider four ESR indicators (household composition, social networks, social opportunities, and loneliness) and link them to micro-level (age, gender, socioeconomic factors, health, and family responsibilities) and national macro-level factors (social expenditures, unmet health needs, individualism, social trust, and institutional trust). Findings reveal a northwest to southeast gradient, with the lowest rates of ESR in the stronger welfare states of Northwest Europe. The high rates of ESR in the southeast are especially pronounced among women. Predictably, higher age and fewer personal resources (socioeconomic factors and health) increase the risk of all ESR dimensions for both genders. Macro-level factors show significant associations with ESR beyond the effect of micro-level factors, suggesting that national policies and cultural and structural characteristics may play a role in fostering sociability and connectivity and, thus, reduce the risk of ESR in later life.
Highlights
While objective exclusion from social relations (ESR) can be described as having a limited social network, infrequent social interaction, or lack of participation in social activity, subjective ESR can be characterized by a perceived lack of companionship or feelings of loneliness [2]
It remains unclear whether the correlates—e.g., low socioeconomic status, being a caregiver, poor physical or mental health, and disability—are drivers or outcomes of ESR
As was its central aim, this study makes a number of contributions to international scholarship on ESR, and advancing understanding across a number of dimensions
Summary
Social exclusion is multidimensional, covering multiple domains of life, and a central component relates to exclusion from social relations (ESR). ESR is multifaceted in nature and can be understood as a situation of being socially and emotionally disconnected from social relations, with both objective and subjective components to its construction and manifestation [2]. While objective ESR can be described as having a limited social network, infrequent social interaction, or lack of participation in social activity, subjective ESR can be characterized by a perceived lack of companionship or feelings of loneliness [2].
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callMore From: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
