Higher Levels Of Social Isolation Research Articles

Social Isolation and Accelerated Tooth Loss Among Chinese Older Adults

Social isolation and loneliness in older adults are major global public health concerns. Tooth loss is also a common problem in this population. This study examined the effects of social isolation and loneliness on the number of remaining teeth and the rate of tooth loss among Chinese older adults. We included 4,268 older adults age 65+ from three waves of the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey (2011/2012, 2014, 2018). Linear mixed-effect models showed higher levels of social isolation were associated with fewer remaining teeth (β = -1.59, P < 0.05) and accelerated tooth loss (β=-0.10, P<0.05) controlled for socio-demographic, lifestyle, oral hygiene behavior, and health status. Loneliness was neither associated with the number of remaining teeth (β=0.64, P>0.05) nor with the rate of tooth loss (β=-0.09, P>0.05) before and after controlling for covariates. These findings expand our knowledge regarding the correlation between social connection and tooth loss in non-Western populations.

Social Islands: Examining the Intersection of Isolation and Technology Use

Life course theory suggests that social relationships are tied to overall well-being. In the extant literature social isolation negatively impacts physical and mental health outcomes in later life. In this study, we focus specifically on the association between social isolation and older adult’s self-rated health status. We also examine whether and the extent to which technology use augments negative health consequences attributed to isolation. Using data on 3,758 older adults (ages 65+) from the 2018 wave of the Health and Retirement Study, we contribute to current scholarly examinations at the intersection of technology and isolation. We conduct a series of ordinal logistic regressions to estimate the odds of respondents’ higher self-rated health (from poor = 1 to excellent = 5) on subjective measures of social isolation (i.e. feel left out, lack of companionship and isolated from others) in addition to whether respondents live with a partner and have an adult child who lives in close geographic proximity. Preliminary results show that individuals who perceived higher levels of social isolation evaluated their own health status as poorer. We also find that the use of computers for virtual communications corresponds with higher self-rated health statuses, regardless of the proximity of children or other family members. However, a negative interaction between computer use and isolation indicates the positive effects of technology are limited for those who are highly isolated. These findings suggest that technology impacts on health are nuanced, where an overreliance on technology as a substitute may not consistently yield positive outcomes.

Oral Health and Dental Care Among Older Adults in China: What Are the Risk and Protective Factors?

Oral health is a global public health concern. The four papers in this symposium capture various understudied risk and protective factors in oral health and dental care among older adults in China. The first paper examined the relationship between social isolation, loneliness, and tooth loss among Chinese older adults, using the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey. The findings suggest that higher levels of social isolation, rather than loneliness, were associated with fewer remaining teeth and accelerated tooth loss over time. The second paper investigated urban-rural disparities in dental care utilization among Chinese adults aged 18 to 65 years old, using the 2019 New Era and Living Conditions in Megacities Survey. The findings demonstrate urban residents were more likely to visit dentists than rural residents. Besides socioeconomic status, health attitudes/behaviors, and oral health needs, health insurance coverage was considered an important enabling factor to promote dental care use in this population. The third paper examined the relationship between denture use and cognitive decline among Chinese older adults, using data from the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey. The findings indicate that denture use is protective against cognitive decline over time in later life. The fourth paper examined the prevalence of self-reported orofacial pain symptoms and their correlates at the last year of life among Chinese older adults. Low socioeconomic status, smoking, chronic conditions, oral hygiene practice, and natural teeth condition were associated with such symptoms. This symposium offers valuable insights to improve oral health and dental care in older adults in China.

“I got into a very dark place”: addressing the needs of young people leaving care during the Covid-19 pandemic

Purpose This paper aims to report on the findings of a qualitative study that explored the views and experiences of young people leaving care during the first phase of the Covid-19 pandemic in Northern Ireland. Design/methodology/approach A qualitative approach was adopted involving semi-structured interviews with 24 care leavers 18–25 years old from across the region. Interviews were conducted remotely online or by telephone and explored young people’s lived experiences during the pandemic including their views on the formal support services and how best to provide ongoing for support care leavers during the pandemic. Findings Study findings highlight how known adversities for care leavers are exacerbated during the pandemic, having a detrimental impact, particularly on their emotional well-being. The response of the state as a corporate parent in mitigating the impact of the pandemic was found to be inadequate; with a need for much clearer communication, transparent and prompt decision-making and targeted specialist mental health services. The account given by the young people also highlighted the importance of participation and relationship-based practice to build on the young people’s resilience in the context of high levels of social isolation and limited access to informal support systems. Originality/value This research, based on the views of care experienced young people themselves, is the first study in Northern Ireland to report on the impact of the Covid 19 pandemic on care leaving. As such it makes a contribution to this emerging international field of study and, given the persistence of the pandemic, provides empirical findings and a social justice perspective of ongoing relevance to policy and practice with young people leaving care.

Is Physical Activity Associated With Loneliness or Social Isolation in Older Adults? Results of a Longitudinal Analysis Using the Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing.

Social relationships are central to the health and well-being of older adults. Evidence exploring the association of physical activity (PA) with social isolation and loneliness is limited. This study uses a path analysis to investigate the longitudinal association between loneliness and social isolation with PA using the Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing. Higher levels of social isolation measured using the Berkman-Syme Social Network Index were directly and indirectly associated with lower levels of walking, moderate PA, and vigorous PA over 6 years. Additionally, higher levels of walking were associated with lower levels of loneliness measured using a modified version of the University of California, Los Angeles loneliness scale over a 3-year period. Future interventions should target individuals who are more socially isolated and explore the effects of different types of PA on loneliness over time.

Testing the Multi-Theory Model (MTM) to Predict the Use of New Technology for Social Connectedness in the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Loneliness or social isolation, recently described as a “behavioral epidemic,” remains a long-standing public health issue, which has worsened during the COVID-19 pandemic. The use of technology has been suggested to enhance social connectedness and to decrease the negative health outcomes associated with social isolation. However, till today, no theory-based studies were performed to examine the determinants of technology use. Therefore, the current study aims to test theory-based determinants in explaining the adoption of new technology in a nationally representative sample during the COVID-19 pandemic (n = 382). A psychometrically reliable and valid instrument based on the multi-theory model (MTM) of health behavior change was administered electronically using a cross-sectional study design. A total of 47.1% of the respondents reported high levels of social isolation, and 40.6% did not use any new technology. Among technology users (59.4%), the three initiation constructs participatory dialogue (b = 0.054, p < 0.05), behavioral confidence (b = 0.184, p < 0.001), and changes in the physical environment (b= 0.053, p < 0.05) were significant and accounted for 38.3% of the variance in the initiation of new technologies. Concerning sustenance in technology users, all three constructs emotional transformation (b = 0.115, p < 0.001), practice for change (b = 0.086, p < 0.001), and changes in the social environment (b = 0.061, p < 0.001) were significant and accounted for 42.6% of the variance in maintaining the use of new technology. MTM offers a powerful framework to design health promotion interventions encouraging the use of new technologies to foster greater social connectedness amid the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond it.

Abstract MP22: Social Isolation, Social Support, And Cognitive Decline: The Atherosclerosis Risk In Communities Study

Introduction: Recent evidence supports relationships between social engagement and cognitive function, but the importance of social engagement decades before the onset of cognitive impairment is less well described. We examined associations of midlife social isolation and social support with mid-to-late life cognitive decline. Methods: In 14,083 participants in the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) Study, social isolation was evaluated in 1990-92 by the Lubben Social Network Scale, discretized into: Isolated, and high, moderate, and low “risk” for isolation. Perceived social support, using the Interpersonal Support Evaluation List-Short Form, was discretized into tertiles. Linear mixed effects models with random intercepts and slopes were used to estimate the cross-sectional and longitudinal (1990-92 to 2011-13) associations of social isolation/social support with general cognitive performance. Models were adjusted for demographic factors and comorbidities, with effect modification explored by race and sex. We used multiple imputation by chained equations (MICE) to account for attrition. Results: Participants were on average 57.0 years old, 56% female, and 24% Black; 3% were “isolated” and 38% reported low social support. On average, men had a higher level of social isolation and lower level of social support. White participants had lower scored risk of social isolation. Socially isolated participants had on average a 0.253 standard deviation (SD) (95% CI 0.181, 0.324) lower baseline cognitive score, but a similar rate of cognitive decline in both the first 6 (difference: 0.002 SD/year, 95% CI -0.008, 0.012) and subsequent 15 years (difference: 0.001 SD/year, 95% CI: -0.006, 0.008), compared to those with lower social isolation level. Compared to participants with the highest level of social support, participants with the lowest level of social support had on average a 0.183 SD (95% CI 0.154, 0.212) lower baseline cognitive score, with a similar rate of cognitive decline in the first 6 years (difference: -0.001 SD/year, 95% CI -0.005, 0.003), but a 0.005 SD/year (95% CI 0.002, 0.007) slower rate of cognitive decline after 6 years, mainly driven by white and male participants. MICE-imputed results did not change. Conclusions: Although higher levels of social isolation and lower levels of social support in midlife were associated with worse cognitive function at baseline, these exposures had only a minimal impact on 20-year cognitive change. Some relationships differed by race and sex. Further studies are needed to better elucidate whether interventions addressing social isolation and support would be effective in the prevention of cognitive decline and dementia.

"They're Going to Zoom It": A Qualitative Investigation of Impacts and Coping Strategies During the COVID-19 Pandemic Among Older Adults.

Introduction: Older adults, who already have higher levels of social isolation, loneliness, and sedentary behavior, are particularly susceptible to negative impacts from social distancing mandates meant to control the spread of COVID-19. We sought to explore the physical, mental, and social health impacts of the pandemic on older adults and their coping techniques.Materials and Methods: We conducted 25 semi-structured interviews with a sub-sample of participants in an ongoing sedentary behavior reduction intervention. Interviews were recorded and transcribed, and iterative coding was used to extract key themes.Results: Most participants reported an increase in sedentary behavior due to limitations on leaving their home and increased free time to pursue seated hobbies (e.g., reading, knitting, tv). However, many participants also reported increased levels of intentional physical activity and exercise, particularly outdoors or online. Participants also reported high levels of stress and a large decrease in in-person social connection. Virtual connection with others through phone and video was commonly used to stay connected with friends and family, engage in community groups and activities, and cope with stress and social isolation. Maintenance of a positive attitude and perspective gained from past hardships was also an important coping strategy for many participants.Discussion: The COVID-19 pandemic and associated social distancing measures have impacted older adults' perceived levels of activity, stress, and social isolation, but many leveraged technology and prior life experiences to cope. These themes could inform future interventions for older adults dealing with chronic stress and isolation.

Loneliness and symptom burden in oncology patients during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Loneliness and social isolation are significant public health problems that are being exacerbated during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic. Little is known about the associations between loneliness and symptom burden in oncology patients before and during the pandemic. Study purposes include determining the prevalence of loneliness in a sample of oncology patients; evaluating for differences in demographic, clinical, and symptom characteristics between lonely and nonlonely patients; and determining which demographic, clinical, and symptom characteristics were associated with membership in the lonely group. A convenience sample (n = 606) completed online surveys that evaluated the severity of loneliness, social isolation, and common symptoms (ie, anxiety, depression, fatigue, sleep disturbance, cognitive dysfunction, and pain) in oncology patients. Parametric and nonparametric tests were used to evaluate for differences in scores between the lonely and nonlonely groups. Logistic regression analysis was used to determine risk factors for membership in the loneliness group. Of the 606 patients, 53.0% were categorized in the lonely group. The lonely group reported higher levels of social isolation, as well as higher symptom severity scores for all of the symptoms evaluated. In the multivariate model, being unmarried, having higher levels of social isolation, as well as higher levels of anxiety and depressive symptoms were associated with membership in the lonely group. Study findings suggest that a significant number of oncology patients are experiencing loneliness, most likely as a result of mandate social distancing and isolation procedures. The symptom burden of these patients is extremely high and warrants clinical evaluation and interventions.

Exploring providers’ experience of stigma following the introduction of more liberal abortion care in the Republic of Ireland

ObjectiveTo explore if abortion care providers in the Republic of Ireland experience abortion-related stigma. Study DesignThe survey was distributed to abortion care providers working in community and hospital units nationwide. We measured stigma using the 35-item version of the Abortion Providers Stigma Scale (APSS). We also collected data on demography, professional involvement in providing abortion care, and risk of burnout (measured by the Maslach Burnout Inventory). ResultsOf the 309 providers invited to take part, 156 (50.5%) completed the survey between January to May 2020. The sample reported a mean score of 70.9 on the total scale of the APSS. This was comparable with the scores of providers in a Massachusetts-based study but was lower than a sample of providers from across the USA. Linear regression analyses found that the Irish hospital-based obstetricians (b = 10.51, 95% CI 3.16–17.86) and midwives/nurses (b = 10.88, 95% CI 2.3–19.47) reported higher stigma than their colleagues working in general practice. ConclusionsComparing the scores of the current sample to published studies highlight the factors that may drive stigma in the Irish context. The Irish providers reported fewer issues in disclosing their abortion work than providers in the USA, which may be explained as they also reported fewer experiences of judgment and discrimination. They did, however, report higher levels of social isolation. Additionally, the findings suggest that providing surgical and/or later-gestation abortion care and providing within the hospital environment may present additional challenges for staff which increase level of stigma. ImplicationsDespite widespread support for the expansion of the abortion care services, providers in Ireland still experience stigma related to this work. Our findings suggest that Irish providers, particularly those working in hospitals, may benefit from supports to reduce abortion-related isolation and challenges posed by collegial interactions or later-gestation care.

Social Inclusion in Group Homes: Determining Facilitators and Barriers to Inclusion for People with Intellectual Disabilities

&#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; Social inclusion is central to positive life experiences for those with and without intellectual disabilities (ID). Unfortunately, those with ID experience high levels of social isolation. As group homes, one of the most common forms of community living, aim to provide an equitable quality of life for adults with disabilities, significant responsibility of promoting social inclusion falls to them. The intention of this review is to identify the facilitators and barriers associated with social inclusion for people with ID living in group homes to develop an evaluation framework. Five databases were searched, and inclusion/exclusion criteria were used to narrow the results to 21 articles. Four main categories of barriers and facilitators to inclusion became apparent in the literature: (1) Home characteristics and social inclusion, (2) Staff characteristics and social inclusion, (3) Organizational/Leadership characteristics and social inclusion, and (4) Resident characteristics and social inclusion. While the findings from these articles have been divided into four broad categories, it is acknowledged the identified barriers and facilitators are varied and highlight the important role of the group home and surrounding communities in promoting social inclusion of their residents. This review also highlights a gap in current literature surrounding social inclusion for those with ID. Overall, more emphasis on understanding the various pathways to achieving social inclusion from group home residents with ID could contribute to the creation of effective policy and practices.&#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D;

Male and Female Trajectories of Social Isolation in Russia from 1994 To 2017

Purpose: To determine gender differences in trends of social support levels in an open population aged 25-64 years over long-term period - 23 years in Russia / Siberia (Novosibirsk). Methods: Within the framework of the screening in 1994-95 under the WHO MONICA-psychosocial (MOPSY) program (n = 1527, 43% males, mean age 44.85 ± 0.4 years), in 2003-2005 under the international project HAPIEE (n=1650, 34,9% males, mean age 54,25±0,2 years), in 2013-2016 (n=975, 43,8% males, mean age 34,5±0,4 years) and 2016-2017 гг.( n=663, 41,3% years 51,95±0,32 years) within the framework of the budgetary theme No. АААА-А17-117112850280-2, random representative samples of men and women in one of districts in Novosibirsk were examined. Social support is assessed using the Berkman-Syme scale. The index of close contacts (ICC) and social networks (SNI) was assessed. Results: In 1994, a high prevalence of a low level of close contacts was established in an open population of 25-64 years, more pronounced among men compared with women (62% vs 56.8%). In 2003 and 2013, there was a trend towards a decrease in the frequency of the low close contact index to 46-50%, although the ICC levels did not differ by gender. In 2017, on the contrary, women were 14.4% more likely to show a lack of close contacts compared to men, especially in the 45-54 age group, where the low ICC rate exceeded the 1994 level. The prevalence of low SNI in an open population of 25-64 years in 1994 was similar for men and women and was 77%. In 2003-2005, women in older age groups showed a slight increase in the frequency of low SNI levels up to 80.1%. By 2013, a downward trend in the frequency of low SNI among young age groups of both sexes was established, but this trend turned out to be unstable, and after a short period of time the SNI indicators returned to the 1994 levels. Conclusion: In the period 1994-2005, a high level of social isolation among men and women was determined in the open population. By 2017, the clear trend in the increase in the level of social interactions changed to a negative side, especially among women in the 45-54 age group.

Social isolation and depression onset among middle-aged and older adults in China: Moderating effects of education and gender differences

BackgroundMost studies exploring the association between social isolation and depression tend to focus on Western countries. The primary aim of this longitudinal study was to examine the association between social isolation and depression onset among middle-aged and older adults in China. MethodsData on 6,817 participants (mean age = 57.91, SD = 8.77; men, 52.1%) from the first and fourth waves of the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS) were analyzed. Binary logistic regressions were used to evaluate the association between social isolation and depression onset. The moderating effects of socioeconomic status (education) and gender differences were also examined. ResultsSocial isolation was significantly associated with depression onset (OR = 1.24, 95% CI = 1.10–1.41). Compared to men with lower education (OR = 0.97, 95% CI = 0.77–1.23), those with higher education (OR = 1.91, 95% CI = 1.40–2.60) exhibited a greater association between social isolation and depression onset. Moderating effect of education was not found for women. LimitationsDepression were self-reported, which might be less reliable than clinical interview. ConclusionsOur results suggested that high level of social isolation was significantly associated with a higher incidence of depression among middle-aged and older adults in China. Education played a moderating role in this association for men rather than women.

Older Adults' Computer-Mediated Communication (CMC) Engagement Following COVID-19 and Its Impact on Access to Community, Information, and Resource Exchange: A Longitudinal, Qualitative Study.

Following COVID-19, the CDC asked individuals to social distance and state and local authorities nationwide began issuing curfews and recommendations to “shelter-in-place.” Known to be more susceptible to the negative effects of COVID-19 and often coping with higher levels of social isolation, many worried that older adults’ mental health would suffer. While computer-mediated communication (CMC) is on the rise among older adults, whether and how older adults leverage the social benefits of CMC remains underexplored. This study assesses older adults’ CMC use after COVID and the impact of CMC engagement on access to connection, information, and resources. We follow 22 older adults over 6 weeks, using longitudinal qualitative surveys to study CMC use patterns and mental health outcomes. Results revealed that while older adults exhibited purpose-driven CMC engagement, limited integration into larger online communities restricted access to up-to-the-minute information, notably early in the pandemic. Longitudinal findings show progressively less engagement with online news and information, withdrawal from online social engagement, and a progressive relaxing of social distancing. This study sheds light on how best to reach older adults following disaster, and where older adults may be disadvantaged as social media becomes a modern “emergency broadcast system.”

Changes in the daily routine and life perceptions of older adults due to the coronavirus disease 2019 (covid-19) pandemic

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to analyze changes in the daily routine and life perceptions of older adults due to the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study conducted with 338 older adults (93 men and 238 women) residing in southern Brazil. An online questionnaire consisting of 20 questions was created using the Google Forms platform and was distributed to older adults (&gt; 60 years of age) during the isolation period caused by the coronavirus disease pandemic. Data analysis was conducted through Student's-t and χ2 tests. RESULTS: Our results showed a significant association between social isolation and sex (p &lt; 0.01), revealing that women experienced higher levels of social isolation than men. We observed that 82.21% of the older adults participating in this study reported changes in their social routines during the pandemic. CONCLUSIONS: During this period of extended social isolation, women reported more negative effects than men.

Socio-educational interventions as complementary strategies to improvement clinical parameters of Type 2 diabetes mellitus

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is one of the most prevalent chronic diseases amongthe elderly, which impairs their functionality and the quality of life. Since high levels of socialisolation are observed in the elderly population, we hypothesized that low social support network (SSN) could have negative effects in clinical evolution of T2DM. Therefore, the practiceof socio educational activities could contribute to a favorable disease control and improvement of T2DM clinical parameters.AimsWe evaluated, cross-sectionally and retrospectively, the relationship of SSN size withmetabolic parameters of TD2M and the influence of socio-educational activities (i.e. crafts,jewelry, fitness, literacy, dance, guitar, singing, ballroom dancing, theater, yoga, flamenco,among others) in changes of the glycemic and lipid indexes in elderly patients (&gt; 60 yearsold).MethodsSix clinical parameters, fasting blood glucose (FBG), glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c),circulating triglycerides, HDL, LDL and total cholesterol levels were compared with socialsupport network (SSN) which was measured in 89 T2DM patients by minimal map of relationship in older people (MMRI). The same parameters were compared between the grouppracticing socio educational activities (n = 23) and non-practicing group (n = 33). The changes in values were established between two phases: 2001 to 2009 (before) and 2010 to 2011(after), in both groups. The results were analyzed in two ways: a) vertical comparison ofthe averages of each individual clinical parameter; and b) horizontal comparison of total improvement rate (TIR), resulting from the sum of the individual improvement rate (iIR). Tocalculate iIR, clinical improvement received an arbitrary value (0.25) whereas no clinicalimprovement was ascribed a 0 value.ResultsWe observed a discrete positive correlation between SSN size and glycemic control improvement of elderly T2DM patients. When socio-educational interventions are evaluated, weobserved a significant improvement in HbA1c levels of up 34.5% (odds ratio=4.25; 95% CI,1.17 - 15.45; p = 0.0535) in elderly diabetics practicing socio educational activities. However,the fasting glucose and total cholesterol values had no significant improvement. In the otherhand, the horizontal analysis showed a significant difference between IMT means from elderly diabetics practicing socio educational activities when compared to the control group (p =0.03). It was observed a greater number of cases of clinical improvement over 50% (IMT 0.75and 1.0) in the socializing group (66% vs 36%).ConclusionsOur results suggested an apparent relationship between high SSN and practices of socio educational activities with significantly improvement of glicaemic control elderly T2DMpatients. We speculated that enhancing social support affects direct or indirectly some health-related variables, although potential pathways activated by social and educational components to regulating glucose metabolism remains unclear. However, our data are suggestingthat inclusion of socio-educational elements as non-pharmacological strategies for glicaemiccontrol may contribute for an effective management of T2DM in public health.

Social Isolation and Memory Decline in Later-life.

ObjectivesTo investigate associations between level and changes in social isolation and in memory in older men and women.MethodsThe sample included 6,123 women and 5,110 men aged 50+ from the English Longitudinal Study of Aging (ELSA). Extended latent change score models from six measurement occasions every 2 years from 2002 were used to investigate associations between social isolation and memory. Models were adjusted for age, socioeconomic position, and health.ResultsSocial isolation increased and memory decreased over time. Among men an initially high level of social isolation was associated with a somewhat greater decrease in memory. Among women a greater increase in social isolation predicted a greater decrease in memory and a larger change in social isolation was associated with further larger changes in isolation, although when social isolation reached a higher level it subsequently decreased.ConclusionsResults suggest that the association between social isolation and memory decline arises because social isolation is associated with increased memory decline rather than poor memory leading to increases in social isolation. Men with high levels of social isolation and women with accumulated social isolation over time are especially affected as these patterns of isolation were associated with more profound memory decline.

DOES PERSONALITY PREDICT PATTERNS OF AGING? LONGITUDINAL FINDINGS FROM THE VA NORMATIVE AGING STUDY

Previous research using the Veterans Affairs Normative Aging Study identified four patterns of aging using group-based multi-trajectory modelling to identify joint changes in life satisfaction (LS) and functional health (FH) (Nath et al., 2018a,b). The purpose of the present study was to examine whether personality traits predicted these four patterns: impaired (stable low LS and FH), normal (decreasing LS and FH), optimal (high LS, decreasing FH), and successful aging (high LS and FH). The sample consisted of 992 NAS men who provided 3,853 observations (M=2.81, SD=1.54, range 1–8) between 1987 and 2010 (Mage=62.31, SDage=7.50, range 44-86 in 1987). Multinomial logit regression analysis with robust estimation controlled for marital, employment, and self-rated health status, using optimal aging as the reference group. Compared to the optimal aging group, neuroticism predicted membership to the normal aging (RR=1.61, CI=1.16–2.22) and the successful aging groups (RR=.55, CI=.38–.79). Optimism predicted membership to all groups, with lower risk ratios to the impaired aging group (RR=.11, CI=.04–.33) and normal aging group (RR=.57, CI=.42–.79), and higher risk ratio to the optimal aging group (RR=1.96, CI=1.35–2.85). Extraversion only predicted membership in the impaired aging group (RR=.27, CI=.12–.63) indicating high levels of social isolation. Thus, personality may play an important role in determining the patterns of aging.

Lonely But Not Alone: Neuroticism Mediates the Relationship Between Social Network Size and Loneliness in Individuals With Traumatic Brain Injury.

Objectives: Although individuals with traumatic brain injury (TBI) often report higher levels of social isolation, little is known about the factors influencing their self-perception of loneliness. The aim of the current study was to investigate the relationship between loneliness, social network size, and personality variables (neuroticism and extraversion) after TBI, and in particular whether specific personality variables mediate the relationship between social network size and perception of loneliness. Methods: Here, we assessed self-reported loneliness, personality variables, and social network size of 24 individuals with moderate-to-severe TBI and 41 healthy comparison participants. We then carried out a mediation analysis to examine whether personality variables mediated the relationship between loneliness and social network size. Results: Our results indicate that individuals with TBI reported higher levels of loneliness and neuroticism, but there was no group difference in social network size or extraversion. The mediation analysis revealed that the association between social network size and loneliness was mediated by neuroticism, but not by extraversion. Conclusions: Our findings show that neuroticism is an intervening variable in the relationship between social network size and self-perception of loneliness in individuals with moderate-to-severe TBI, and presents a new possible target for clinicians and rehabilitators seeking to address reports of loneliness and social isolation in TBI. (JINS 2019, 25, 266-274).

El aislamiento social de la conservación de la naturaleza en el bosque templado del sur de Chile. Caso de estudio: Parque Nacional Alerce Andino y Reserva Nacional Llanquihue

La exclusión por acción u omisión de las comunidades locales en el manejo de las áreas protegidas, conocida como ‘conservación fortaleza’, es una práctica que persiste a pesar del amplio consenso teórico que promueve una mayor integración de la población local en la conservación de la biodiversidad. Este artículo presenta el caso de estudio de dos áreas protegidas en el bosque templado del sur de Chile en donde, a través del mapeo de actores y el análisis de redes sociales, se ha indagado sobre el grado de vinculación social entre múltiples actores con interés y/o influencia en el área protegida y su zona de amortiguación. Los resultados muestran una baja densidad de relaciones sociales, alta fragmentación de la red social en torno a intereses sectoriales (agricultura, pesca, turismo, entre otras), así como un significativo nivel de aislamiento social del área protegida. Este aislamiento es explicado, en parte, por la existencia de un modelo de manejo del área protegida que no ha incorporado, principalmente por omisión, la participación activa de la amplia variedad de actores locales y regionales, en especial de las comunidades. Esta omisión ha generado un escenario territorial adverso para la gobernanza del área protegida y su zona de amortiguación, creando una situación de riesgo al polarizar la conservación y el desarrollo en el territorio.