Indicators Of Social Isolation Research Articles

Associations of social isolation and loneliness with the onset of insomnia symptoms among middle-aged and older adults in the United States: A population-based cohort study

There is an inconsistent conclusion regarding the relationship of social isolation and loneliness with poor sleep. We investigated the associations of social isolation and loneliness with new-onset insomnia symptoms in a nationally-representative sample of 9,430 adults aged ≥50 who were free of any insomnia symptoms/sleep disorders at baseline (wave 12/13) and followed up to 4 years from the Health and Retirement Study. Social isolation was measured by Steptoe's Social Isolation Index. Loneliness was measured by the revised 3-item UCLA-Loneliness Scale. Insomnia symptoms were quantified using the modified Jenkins Sleep Questionnaire. During a mean follow-up of 3.52 years, 1,522 (16.1%) participants developed at least one insomnia symptom. Cox models showed that loneliness was associated with the onset of difficulties initiating or maintaining sleep, early-morning awakening, nonrestorative sleep, and at least one of these symptoms after adjusting for potential covariates; while social isolation was not associated with the onset of difficulties maintaining sleep, early-morning awakening, or at least one insomnia symptom after adjusting for health indicators. These results are consistent in sensitivity analyses and stratified analyses by age, sex, race/ethnicity, and obesity. Public health interventions aimed at fostering close emotional relationships may reduce the burden of poor sleep among middle-aged and older adults.

COVID-19-related social isolation and symptoms of depression and anxiety in young men in Poland: Does insomnia mediate the relationship?

The need for physical distancing due to COVID-19 mitigation efforts forced prolonged social isolation, which may affect sleep and lead to mental health problems. Previous research has shown that young adults are particularly vulnerable to psychological stress caused by social isolation, the negative psychological impact of the pandemic, and greater frequency and severity of sleep problems. Therefore, the main goal of the present study was to examine whether insomnia could constitute a mediation mechanism that explains the relationship between social isolation experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic and mental health outcomes (depression and anxiety) reported up to 1.5 years later. The study was conducted among young (M±SD; 24.08±3.75) men (N = 1025) in Poland. Data were collected by means of self-report questionnaires, including The Social Isolation Index, The Athens Insomnia Scale, The State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI-S) and Beck's Depression Inventory (BDI-II). The results show that insomnia mediates the relationships between social isolation and both anxiety and depression. The current findings emphasize the role of insomnia in the relationships between social isolation experienced during COVID-19 and negative emotional states. From a clinical perspective, the results suggest that implementing therapeutic components that address social isolation in insomnia treatment programs may prevent the development of depression and anxiety symptoms among young men.

SIRSi-vaccine dynamical model for the Covid-19 pandemic

Covid-19, caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, broke out as a pandemic during the beginning of 2020. The rapid spread of the disease prompted an unprecedented global response involving academic institutions, regulatory agencies, and industries. Vaccination and nonpharmaceutical interventions including social distancing have proven to be the most effective strategies to combat the pandemic. In this context, it is crucial to understand the dynamic behavior of the Covid-19 spread together with possible vaccination strategies. In this study, a susceptible–infected–removed–sick model with vaccination (SIRSi-vaccine) was proposed, accounting for the unreported yet infectious. The model considered the possibility of temporary immunity following infection or vaccination. Both situations contribute toward the spread of diseases. The transcritical bifurcation diagram of alternating and mutually exclusive stabilities for both disease-free and endemic equilibria were determined in the parameter space of vaccination rate and isolation index. The existing equilibrium conditions for both points were determined in terms of the epidemiological parameters of the model. The bifurcation diagram allowed us to estimate the maximum number of confirmed cases expected for each set of parameters. The model was fitted with data from São Paulo, the state capital of SP, Brazil, which describes the number of confirmed infected cases and the isolation index for the considered data window. Furthermore, simulation results demonstrate the possibility of periodic undamped oscillatory behavior of the susceptible population and the number of confirmed cases forced by the periodic small-amplitude oscillations in the isolation index. The main contributions of the proposed model are as follows: A minimum effort was required when vaccination was combined with social isolation, while additionally ensuring the existence of equilibrium points. The model could provide valuable information for policymakers, helping define disease prevention mitigation strategies that combine vaccination and non-pharmaceutical interventions, such as social distancing and the use of masks. In addition, the SIRSi-vaccine model facilitated the qualitative assessment of information regarding the unreported infected yet infectious cases, while considering temporary immunity, vaccination, and social isolation index.

Family structure and living arrangements as indicators of social isolation, and prostate cancer risk

Social isolation has been linked to a poorer prostate cancer prognosis. Little is known about how it could also influence its incidence. We investigated the association between family structure and living arrangements as potential indicators of social isolation, and prostate cancer risk, globally and according to disease aggressiveness.Data from the Prostate Cancer & Environment Study (PROtEuS), a case-control population-based study conducted between 2005 and 2012 in Montreal, Canada, were used. The study population comprised 1931 incident cases of prostate cancer, aged ≤75 years, and 1994 age-matched (±5 years) population controls. In-person interviews collected information on family composition and living arrangements recently and at age 40. Logistic regression estimated odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs), adjusting for potential confounders.Single men had an increased risk of high-grade prostate cancer at diagnosis (OR 1.80; 95% CI 1.29–2.51), compared to men currently married or with a partner. Having at least one daughter was associated with a lower risk of aggressive cancer (OR 0.76; 95% CI 0.61–0.96) while no association was found with having son(s). An inverse dose-response relationship was observed between the number of people living with the subject 2 years before diagnosis/interview and prostate cancer risk (p-trend<0.001).These results suggest a protective role of a rich personal environment on the risk of developing prostate cancer. As several of the associations studied here are novel, replication is required.

Social isolation and subsequent health and well-being in older adults: A longitudinal outcome-wide analysis

Background.Social isolation has become a serious public health issue. However, most previous studies examine the relationship between social isolation and a single outcome. We aimed to conduct holistic assessments to understand the multidimensional impacts of social isolation on health and well-being.Methods.We used the three-wave data (2013, 2016, and 2019) obtained from the Japan Gerontological Evaluation Study. Our exposure, obtained from the 2016 survey, was the Social Isolation Index (SII) comprising five components: no partner, poor interaction with children, poor interaction with relatives, poor interaction with friends, and no social participation). We assessed 36 health and well-being outcomes across six dimensions obtained from the 2019 survey: physical/cognitive health, health behaviours, mental health, subjective well-being, social isolation, and cognitive social capital. Pre-exposure characteristics and prior outcome levels in 2013 were adjusted. We included 47,318 respondents for 4 outcomes (death, dementia, and functional disability) and 34,187 respondents for 32 other outcomes. The Bonferroni correction was used to correct for multiple tests.Results.The total SII scores were associated with a wide range of health and well-being outcomes across the six dimensions. Specifically, we found a robust association between an SII score of four or greater with mortality (Odds ratio: 1.89; 95% CI: 1.46–2.43). Among the five components of the SII, poor interaction with friends and no social participation showed robust associations with a wide range of health and well-being. We also found some robust evidence regarding effect modification by gender and age in the associations between the components of the SII and health and well-being.Conclusions.Social isolation, specifically social interaction with friends and social participation, may affect a wide range of health and well-being among older adults.

Later-life depressive symptoms during the Covid-19 pandemic: Investigations of individual, cumulative, and synergistic effects of social isolation

Objectives This study examines associations between social isolation and depressive symptoms among Hong Kong Chinese adults aged 65 and older by investigating the distinct effects of individual indicators, cumulative index, and typologies of social isolation during the Covid-19 pandemic. Methods We used a sample of 260 older adults from a cross-sectional, city-wide online survey targeting 1,109 aged 45+ adults through purposive sampling. Seven indicators of social isolation (not married; living alone; not engaging in social/organizational activities; no social contact with friends or families; lack of family and friends networks; loneliness) using Cornwell & Waite’s framework were selected to construct three unique types of social isolation measures. We used latent class analysis (LCA) and regression models to examine the effects of varied typologies of social isolation on depressive symptoms. Results Individual model of social isolation showed that lack of social contact and feeling lonely were significant predictors of depressive symptoms. A strong linear-trend gradient effect of cumulative social isolation on depressive symptoms was also observed. The LCA model identified four typologies of social isolation (socially isolated; living alone but socially engaged; married but lacking social ties, and not socially isolated); those in the ‘socially isolated’ and ‘married but lacking social ties’ groups had the most depressive symptoms. Conclusion Three operationalizations of social isolation demonstrated different utilities and implications in assessing the impacts of social isolation on depressive symptoms. Social contacts and loneliness, rather than living status or other characteristics of isolation, were the factors most strongly associated with depressive symptoms. Support programs should target lonely older adults who lack social engagement opportunities, as they are at increased risk of depression.

Social Isolation, Sleep Disturbance, and Cognitive Functioning (HRS): ALongitudinal MediationStudy.

Social isolation is prevalent and associated with dementia, yet the directionality and mechanisms are less understood. This study examined the association between social isolation and cognitive functioning and explored the mediating role of sleep disturbance on the social isolation-cognition relationship. Data from 5753 dementia-free Americans aged ≥50 of 2006 (T1), 2010 (T2), and 2014 (T3) waves of the Health and Retirement Study. Social isolation was measured by the Steptoe Social Isolation Index. Cognitive functioning was measured by the Telephone Interview of Cognitive Status. Sleep disturbance was measured with the modified Jenkins Sleep Scale. We used cross-lagged panel models to determine the associations between social isolation, sleep disturbance, and cognitive functioning. Social isolation is significantly associated with subsequent cognitive functioning (T1 to T2: β=-0.055, standard error [SE]=0.014, p < .001; T2 to T3: β=-0.044, SE=0.016, p < .001). Lower cognitive functioning is significantly associated with greater subsequent social isolation (T1 to T2: β=-0.101, SE=0.020, p < .001; T2 to T3: β=-0.058, SE=.011, p < .001). Sleep disturbance at T2 partially mediated the effect of social isolation (T1) on cognitive functioning (T3), accounting for 6.2% of the total effect (β=-0.003, SE=0.001, p < .01). Social isolation may deteriorate cognitive functioning and vice versa. The association between social isolation and cognition is partially explained by sleep disturbance.

SOCIAL ISOLATION, SLEEP DISTURBANCE, AND COGNITIVE HEALTH: A LONGITUDINAL MEDIATION STUDY

Abstract Research indicates that social isolation is associated with dementia, but the role of sleep on this association is less known. We aimed to examine the impact of social isolation on cognitive function, and how sleep disturbance mediated the association. Data came from the 2006, 2010, and 2014 waves of the Health and Retirement Study. Participants aged 50+ who completed the Psychosocial and Lifestyle Questionnaire in 2006 were included (n=5,036). Measures include the Social Isolation Index, modified Jenkins Sleep Scale, and Telephone Interview of Cognitive Status. Cross-lagged panel models were used in the analysis. After controlling socio-demographics, lifestyle, and loneliness, social isolation predicted subsequent sleep disturbance (β=0.05; P&amp;lt;0.01), which in turn predicted worse cognitive functioning (β=-0.02; P&amp;lt;0.01). The reverse pathways from cognitive function to social isolation were also statistically supported. Public health initiatives could reduce sleep disturbance by facilitating social integration and participation in community activities, thereby protecting against cognitive decline.

DEVELOPING A MOBILE PHONE APPLICATION TO DETECT SOCIAL ISOLATION OVER MULTIPLE TIME POINTS

Abstract Social isolation is an important predictor of mortality and morbidity in older persons. The increase in social isolation is often a result of major life events such as retirement, leading to the loss of social connections. The effects of the pandemic have exacerbated the loss of social connectedness. Measures to ensure social distancing have made technologies like voice and video calling, text messaging, and other phone mediated communication important resources for connecting people. Measuring social isolation often requires periodic administration of a paper survey instrument, like the Lubben Social Network Scale (LSNS). The approach was taken by Lubben for predicting a person’s social isolation level typically involves looking at their general frequency of interactions with family and friends along with the specific frequencies of private, tentative discussions happening during those interactions. This paper explores the process used to develop a tool to measure social isolation continuously and automatically by using an older person’s frequency and tone of telephonic conversations. We categorized a person’s family and friends into three sub-categories based on the self-reported level of closeness shared with them. We then analyzed the person’s conversation (content and tones). Lastly, we trained the deep learning model (Watson) using these captured tone values to determine the social isolation index of the individual. Our preliminary results indicate that we are able to correctly predict their degree of social isolation as judged by Lubben’s scale using their phone conversations. This technology may be promising for the assessment and intervention of social isolation.

Social Isolation and Depressive Symptoms Among Older Adults: A Multiple Bias Analysis Using a Longitudinal Study in Japan

PurposeDespite the potential burden of social isolation on mental health, it is unclear which component of social isolation (living alone, lack of social support, and lack of social participation) is mostly associated with depression among older adults and whether it varies by gender. Moreover, previous observational studies have suffered from several systematic biases such as confounding, misclassification, and selection bias. We thus aimed to investigate the risk of social isolation on subsequent depressive symptoms among older men and women, fully taking account of such systematic biases simultaneously. MethodsThis study included 15,311 adults from a nationwide longitudinal cohort study of older adults aged ≥65 years in Japan. We employed modified Poisson regression models to estimate the adjusted risk ratio (aRR) of elevated depressive symptoms (the Geriatric Depression Scale: ≥5 vs. <5) in 2016 according to the social isolation index (SII) score (0-5 points) in 2013. Non-probabilistic multiple bias analyses with weighting approach and bounding factor were conducted to adjust for possible confounding, exposure misclassification, and selection biases. ResultsThe mean age (SD) of participants was 72.1 (4.9) years. Adults with the SII score ≥2 showed an increased risk of elevated depressive symptoms than those with the SII score <2 (aRR [95% CI] = 1.57 [1.41–1.76]). All components of SII were associated with elevated depressive symptoms except living alone for women. Our multiple bias analysis showed that an unmeasured confounder needed to have at least moderate relationship (RR=2.0-3.0) with both exposure and outcome to explain away the observed association particularly when social isolation status was independently and non-differentially misclassified. ConclusionAmong older adults in Japan, social isolation was associated with an increased risk of elevated depressive symptoms, even after taking account of systematic biases simultaneously. Increasing social connection may mitigate the risk of depression, which should be the subject of future research.

Social isolation and health among family caregivers of older adults: Less community participation may indicate poor self-reported health.

Social isolation is associated with adverse health outcomes in the general older adult population, but little is known about indicators of social isolation in family caregiver populations. This cross-sectional study examined the prevalence of social isolation in the 2015 National Survey of Caregiving. Using the Convoy Model of social relations, a life-course social support framework, we also examined associations between social isolation and caregiver self-reported health. Using multiple ordinal logistic regression models, we examined social isolation - operationalised with a five-item summative measure and, alternatively, with each social isolation item - as a predictor of self-reported general health status. On the dichotomised summative measure, 24.74% (n=2,175) were more isolated. Younger caregivers were more isolated (M=56.77 years, SE=0.76) compared with those who were not (M=60.86 years, SE=0.41). Self-reported general health was as follows: 4.93% poor; 15.67% fair; 25.62% good; 34.81% very good and 18.97% excellent. Less social isolation was associated with higher odds of better self-reported health (Adjusted odds ratio [AOR]=1.19; CI=1.05-1.35). Of the individual social isolation indicators, only a lack of community participation was associated with higher odds of worse self-reported health (AOR =1.57; CI=1.25-1.97). Social isolation and particularly community participation were associated with caregiver health status. It may be necessary for healthcare providers to consider these factors in caregiver health assessments. Future research is recommended to understand the consequences of various social isolation indicators in diverse samples including younger caregivers.

Sociodemographic Factors and Neighborhood/Environmental Conditions Associated with Social Isolation Among Black Older Adults.

Objectives: To investigate sociodemographic factors and neighborhood/environmental conditions associated with social isolation (SI) among Black older adults. Methods: We utilized data from the 2014 and 2016 Leave-Behind Questionnaire from the Health and Retirement Study (HRS LBQ) among those who self-identified as Black (N = 2.323). Outcome variables for our study included SI from adult children, other family members, friends, disengagement from social participation and religious services, being unmarried, and living alone. These indicators were also combined into an overall SI index. Critical predictors included gender, age, household income, education, employment status, neighborhood cohesion, neighborhood disorder, urbanicity, and region of residence. Results: Sociodemographic factors of gender, education and household income were significantly associated with SI indicators. Additionally, some neighborhood/environmental conditions were associated with SI indicators. Discussion: SI was found to be patterned by sociodemographic factors. These results can be used to develop effective interventions to mitigate SI among Black older adults.

On the role of financial support programs in mitigating the SARS-CoV-2 spread in Brazil

BackgroundDuring 2020, there were no effective treatments or vaccines against SARS-CoV-2. The most common disease contention measures were social distance (social isolation), the use of face masks and lockdowns. In the beginning, numerous countries have succeeded to control and reduce COVID-19 infections at a high economic cost. Thus, to alleviate such side effects, many countries have implemented socioeconomic programs to fund individuals that lost their jobs and to help endangered businesses to survive.MethodsWe assess the role of a socioeconomic program, so-called “Auxilio Emergencial” (AE), during 2020 as a measure to mitigate the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak in Brazil. For each Brazilian State, we estimate the time-dependent reproduction number from daily reports of COVID-19 infections and deaths using a Susceptible-Exposed-Infected-Recovered-like (SEIR-like) model. Then, we analyse the correlations between the reproduction number, the amount of individuals receiving governmental aid, and the index of social isolation based on mobile phone information.ResultsWe observed significant positive correlation values between the average values by the AE and median values of an index accounting for individual mobility. We also observed significantly negative correlation values between the reproduction number and this index on individual mobility. Using the simulations of a susceptible-exposed-infected-removed-like model, if the AE was not operational during the first wave of COVID-19 infections, the accumulated number of infections and deaths could be 6.5 (90% CI: 1.3–21) and 7.9 (90% CI: 1.5–23) times higher, respectively, in comparison with the actual implementation of AE.ConclusionsOur results suggest that the AE implemented in Brazil had a significant influence on social isolation by allowing those in need to stay at home, which would reduce the expected numbers of infections and deaths.

The “loneliness epidemic”, intersecting risk factors and relations to mental health help-seeking: A population-based study during COVID-19 lockdown in Canada

BackgroundPandemic-induced social distancing and stay-at-home orders, while successful in decreasing the transmission of COVID-19, could exacerbate loneliness. Few studies have examined how pandemic-related social determinants intersect to shape pandemic loneliness and its relations to mental health care in Canada. MethodsA population-representative sample of 3772 adults from the Canadian Perspective Survey Series (CPSS-6; January 25 to 31, 2021) was analyzed. Gender-specific logistic regression was employed to investigate the association between three-item loneliness scale (UCLA-3) with socio-demographics, job precarity, health behaviours, social isolation indicators, and mental health help-seeking. Classification and Regression Tree (CART) modelling was used to identify intersecting risk factors and the most important predictor of severe loneliness (UCLA-3 score ≥ 7). ResultsThe estimated prevalence of severe loneliness was 34.7 % in Canada, with women significantly higher than men (38.1 % vs 31.3 %, p < 0.001). Pandemic loneliness were more prevalent in female (OR = 1.53, 99 % CI: 1.26–1.85), those who were younger (OR's range 1.42–3.00), women without college degree (OR = 1.44, 99 % CI: 1.01–2.04), those living alone (OR = 1.56, 99 % CI: 1.09–2.23), immigrant men (OR = 1.79, 99 % CI: 1.23–2.60), those with small network (OR's range: 1.73–3.26), those who were absent from work due to COVID-19 related reasons (OR = 2.11, 99 % CI: 1.04–4.28), past-month binge drinkers (OR's range: 1.39–1.70) and cannabis user (OR = 1.47, 99 % CI: 1.12–1.93). The CART algorithm identifies that immigrants who experienced pandemic-triggered job insecurity were the most-at-risk group of severely loneliness. Pandemic loneliness was positively associated with formal help-seeking from mental health professionals (OR = 1.71, 99 % CI: 1.21–2.41), informal help-seeking from social circle (OR = 1.51, 99 % CI: 1.17–1.95), and unmet mental health needs (OR = 1.78, 99 % CI: 1.29–2.49). LimitationsCross-sectional data prohibits causal inferences. ConclusionThe COVID-19 pandemic converges with loneliness epidemic in Canada. Prevention and intervention programs should target upstream social determinants of mental health, especially the intersection of migration status and COVID-19-related job precarity, to eliminate loneliness during the pandemic.

Relationship of social isolation with mental distress among older Korean Americans: The moderating role of social cohesion.

Social isolation has been associated with poor mental health outcomes, particularly for older immigrants who do not have a protective social environment. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship of social isolation (living alone, marginal family ties and marginal friend ties) with mental distress and to examine the moderating role of social cohesion (family cohesion and community cohesion). We hypothesised that social isolation and social cohesion would be directly associated with mental distress and that social cohesion would buffer the influence of social isolation on mental distress. Data were drawn from the Study of Older Korean Americans (SOKA), which included 2150 older Korean Americans aged 60 or over in multiple areas, collected during 2017-2018. A series of hierarchical regression models of mental distress examined the direct and interactive role of social isolation and social cohesion. Approximately one-third of the sample lived alone, 20% had marginal family ties and 27% had marginal friend ties. All three indicators of social isolation had a significant direct effect on mental health; however, living alone lost its statistical significance with the inclusion of social cohesion variables. Both indicators of family and community cohesion were significantly associated with lower levels of mental distress. In addition, family cohesion buffered the negative effects of marginal ties to family and friends on mental distress. The significant role of a positive social environment must be considered when addressing the needs of older immigrants who are socially isolated.

EE415 Spatial Cost-Efficiency Analysis on the Separability Condition of COVID-19 Potential Determinants

EE415 Spatial Cost-Efficiency Analysis on the Separability Condition of COVID-19 Potential Determinants

COVID-19 ICU demand forecasting: A two-stage Prophet-LSTM approach

Recent literature has revealed a growing interest in methods for anticipating the demand for medical items and personnel at hospital, especially during turbulent scenarios such as the COVID-19 pandemic. In times like those, new variables appear and affect the once known demand behavior. This paper investigates the hypothesis that the combined Prophet-LSTM method results in more accurate forecastings for COVID-19 hospital Intensive Care Units (ICUs) demand than both standalone models, Prophet and LSTM (Long Short-Term Memory Neural Network). We also compare the model to well-established demand forecasting benchmarks. The model is tested to a representative Brazilian municipality that serves as a medical reference to other cities within its region. In addition to traditional time series components, such as trend and seasonality, other variables such as the current number of daily COVID-19 cases, vaccination rates, non-pharmaceutical interventions, social isolation index, and regional hospital beds occupation are also used to explain the variations in COVID-19 hospital ICU demand. Results indicate that the proposed method produced Mean Average Errors (MAE) from 13% to 45% lower than well established statistical and machine learning forecasting models, including the standalone models.

Virtual social interaction and loneliness among emerging adults amid the COVID-19 pandemic

Many social activities moved online during the global COVID-19 pandemic, yet research investigating whether virtual social interactions facilitate social connectedness has been inconclusive. In this study, participants completed online questionnaires assessing objective social isolation, loneliness, mental health, and virtual social interactions. There was clear evidence for worsening mental health among emerging adults during the COVID-19 pandemic characterized by large increases in depressive symptoms (mean increase = 8.35, 95% CI [6.97, 9.73], t(118) = 118, p < .001), and large decrements in happiness (mean decrease = -0.71, 95% CI [-0.84, -0.57], t(118) = 10.09, p < .001) and social satisfaction (mean decrease = -0.81, 95% CI [-1.00,-0.62], t(115) = 8.28, p < .001) post-pandemic onset. In line with expectations, those living in larger households amid the pandemic reported lower levels of loneliness and higher levels of happiness. A negative association was found between household size (an index of objective social isolation) and loneliness, b = -3.01, t(79) = 2.60, p = .011, 95% CI [-5.32, -0.71], and a positive association was found between household size and happiness, b = 22.86, t(75) = 3.30, p = .001, 95% CI [9.06, 36.65]. However, contrary to expectations, there was no association between loneliness and frequency of virtual social interactions. There was also no association between frequency of virtual social interactions and either happiness or depression. More research investigating social connectedness in the context of virtual social interactions is warranted.

Clinical-epidemiological changes in patients with non-traumatic acute abdomen during the COVID-19 pandemic: a retrospective study.

we intend to demonstrate the clinical alterations and the postoperative evolution in patients with acute abdomen non-traumatic in conservative or surgical treatment during the pandemic compared to a similar period in the last year. a single-center retrospective study, including patients who received clinical-surgical treatment at Hospital do Trabalhador diagnosed with acute abdomen between March and August 2020 and a similar period in 2019.Variables studied ranged from demographic data to indices of social isolation. 515 patients were included, 291 received treatment in a pre-pandemic period and 224 during. There was not statistical difference in relation to comorbidities (p=0.0685), time to diagnosis and seeking medical help. No statistical differences were observed in terms of days of hospitalization (p = 0.4738) and ICU need (p=0.2320). Regarding in-hospital deaths, there was statistical relevance in the age above 60 years (p=0.002) and there were more deaths during the pandemic period (p=0.032). However, when we analyze the factors associated with the number of days until diagnosis by a physician, there was no statistical difference. the analyzed data showed that the pandemic period and age over 60 years were the variables that increased the odds ratio for the in-hospital death outcome. However, the length of stay, days in intensive care unit and postoperative surgical complications showed no significant difference.

Effects of Loneliness and Social Isolation on Cognitive Health: Latest Perspectives and Future Directions

Loneliness and social isolation as antecedents of cognitive decline have received substantial attention in recent research. This symposium addresses this year’s conference theme of aging in the “new normal”. The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the negative impacts of loneliness and social isolation on older adults’ health and wellbeing. This symposium includes studies that shed light on the relationships between loneliness, social isolation and cognitive health using a multidisciplinary approach, and provide recommendations and future directions for advancing this research area. The first presentation examines cardiovascular biomarkers as potential mechanisms that mediate the longitudinal relationship between loneliness and cognitive decline with the HRS dataset. The second presentation examines several social isolation indicators and their effects on cognitive decline in a Canadian longitudinal study. Using the US ADRC longitudinal study of aging, the third study shows the effect of loneliness on cognitive health in older adults pre- and post-onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. The symposium concludes with a literature review of the different measures employed to operationalize the constructs of loneliness, isolation, which resulted in heterogeneous study findings on their influences on the risk of developing dementia. This review calls for consistent measures to produce comparable evidence on the health consequences of loneliness and isolation. In all, this symposium reports and reviews the latest evidence on the association between social isolation, loneliness and cognitive health amidst the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. It also echoes the conference theme of transforming disruption to opportunities in aging health service and research.