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Abstract
BackgroundDifferent studies have found that socioeconomic determinants influence the prevalence of chronic diseases in older people. However, there has been relatively little research on the incidence of how social isolation may affect them. We suggest that social isolation is a serious concern for people living with chronic illnesses.MethodIn this paper, we examine whether there is an increase in the propensity of being diagnosed with chronic illnesses because of a decrease in social relations for elderly Europeans. We have used a panel data for Waves 1–6 (2004–2015) of Survey on Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe (SHARE) and logistic regressions. Besides, we have studied three geographic macro-areas (Nordic, Continental and Southern). Being diagnosed with three or more chronic diseases is considered as a dependent variable, and as social control variables we have used three isolation proxies (living alone, providing help to family, friends or neighbours and participation-club activities). Other socio-demographic variables are included (gender, age, educational level, job situation, area of location and quality of life).ResultsOur results for the full sample indicate that people who participate in social activities have fewer probability of suffering from chronic diseases (OR = 0.70, 95% CI 0.54, 0.92). For people who live alone the reverse effect is observed (OR = 1.20, 95% CI 1.04, 1.39). Differences are shown by macro-areas, e.g. providing help (OR = 0.58, 95% CI 0.34, 0.97) isolation proxy is significant for the Nordic macro-area. Club-participation activities and living alone are significant for Continental and Southern macro-areas, respectively (OR = 0.65, 95% CI 0.55, 0.82; OR = 1.46, 95% CI 1.21, 1.77).ConclusionsSocial isolation increases the risk of being diagnosed with chronic illnesses. That is, people with greater social participation have lower risk of suffering from multiple chronic diseases. This risk linked to isolation, together with the traditional one associated with lifestyles, should be considered in the development of new public policies.
Highlights
In accordance with the World Health Organization [1] “health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease”
Our results for the full sample indicate that people who participate in social activities have fewer probability of suffering from chronic diseases (OR = 0.70, 95% CI 0.54, 0.92)
Social isolation increases the risk of being diagnosed with chronic illnesses
Summary
In accordance with the World Health Organization [1] “health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease”. As advanced by Lago et al [5], the published literature on socioeconomic status, health and Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) is characterized by many papers postulating the complexity of these relationships. It advocates that further research is necessary regarding those different factors related with health status, in NCDs [6]. In this manuscript, we focus on social isolation (referring to contacts with individuals within the respondent’s network, and not taking as such an individual’s subjective feeling of loneliness) In this regard, it should be mentioned that there is a vast amount of research on social isolation and health. We suggest that social isolation is a serious concern for people living with chronic illnesses
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