Risk Factors for Social Isolation Identified in Veterans

White male veterans aged 85 years or older have a high risk of social isolation, according to research findings published in Aging & Mental Health.

Authors of the study explained, “Social isolation is a critical public health issue that affects multiple domains of well-being among older adults, but little is known about social isolation among older military veterans.”

In an effort to measure the prevalence, researchers analyzed a sample of 1683 veterans using data from round 1 of the National health and Aging Trends Study to determine risk factors for social isolation. They used weighted logistic regression models to predict both social isolation (having one source of social participation) and severe social isolation (having no sources).

Findings from the study showed that veterans at greatest risk of social isolation were aged 85 years and older, male, White, unmarried or unpartnered, with lower educational attainment, and lower income.

Study authors noted that the sample size was Medicare beneficiaries who were primarily White and male.

“Interventions should therefore aim to improve social connectedness among this population and should address the risk-factors that contribute to social isolation among older veterans,” researchers concluded.

Reference:
Suntai Z, White B. Social isolation among older veterans: findings from the national health and aging trends study. Aging Ment Health. 2021:1-8. doi:10.1080/13607863.2021.1942434