Predictors of social isolation in older adults from South Korean community: Analyzing the 2018 and 2020 Korean Longitudinal Study of Aging (KLoSA)

Abstract

Objectives: Based on Berkman’s social integration theory, this study compared the degree of social isolation among older adults before and after COVID-19 and investigated the predictors of social isolation experienced by community-dwelling older adults. Method: Data from 2018 and 2020 Korean Longitudinal Study of Aging (KLoSA; N=3,947) were analyzed using chi-square test, independent t-test, and multiple logistic regression analysis. Results: The prevalence of social isolation was 22.1% and 22.3% in 2018 and 2020, respectively, which suggests no significant difference despite the COVID-19 pandemic. After controlling other variables, results showed that low socio-economic status, irregular contact with children, poor subjective health status, and poor instrumental activities of daily living were associated with social isolation. Additionally, the risk of social isolation was high among individuals living in urban areas, living alone, having depressive symptoms and experiencing cognitive decline. Conclusion: The results demonstrate that the predictors of older adults’ social isolation before and after the COVID-19 pandemic were similar. Therefore, it is necessary for older adults to prevent and intervene their social isolation, whose predictors should be considered in both health and social welfare policies. Further longitudinal studies are required to compare data of longer periods before and after the COVID-19 pandemic.