AUTHOR=Lynch Laura , Mielenz Thelma J. , Li Guohua , Eby David W. , Molnar Lisa J. , Betz Marian E. , DiGuiseppi Carolyn , Hill Linda L. , Jones Vanya , Strogatz David 

TITLE=Rate of Social Isolation by Geographic Location Among Older Adults: AAA LongROAD Study

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Public Health

VOLUME=9

YEAR=2021

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/public-health/articles/10.3389/fpubh.2021.791683

DOI=10.3389/fpubh.2021.791683

ISSN=2296-2565

ABSTRACT=<p><bold>Introduction:</bold> Social isolation is a modifiable risk factor for negative health outcomes among older adults. This work assessed the relationship between geography (i.e., urban vs. non-urban residence) and social isolation in a cohort of older drivers.</p><p><bold>Methods:</bold> The AAA LongROAD cohort with 2,989 older adult drivers from across the country were included. Social isolation was measured at baseline and at two subsequent annual follow-ups using PROMIS v2.0 Social Isolation 4a. The effect of geographic location with social isolation was assessed through with multivariable regression using a generalized estimating equation model.</p><p><bold>Results:</bold> The rate of social isolation in urban areas was 21% lower (adjusted RR 0.79, 95% CI 0.46, 1.36) compared to non-urban areas after adjusting for covariates, though not significant.</p><p><bold>Discussion:</bold> Social isolation is a predictor of poor health outcomes and geographic considerations have been lacking in the literature. The panel data in this analysis provides more evidence for causality though the under-representation of non-urban areas potentially reduces the power for the results.</p><p><bold>Conclusions:</bold> It is important to understand the needs and risk of social isolation in various geographic settings to ensure resources and interventions are appropriately modified for a greater public health impact.</p>