AUTHOR=Silberzan Léna , Martin Claude , Bajos Nathalie , EpiCov Study Group , Bajos Nathalie , Warszawski Josiane , Bagein Guillaume , Barlet Muriel , Beck François , Counil Emilie , Jusot Florence , Leduc Aude , Lydie Nathalie , Martin Claude , Meyer Laurence , Raynaud Philippe , Rouquette Alexandra , Pailhé Ariane , Paliod Nicolas , Rahib Delphine , Sillard Patrick , Slama Rémy , Spire Alexis TITLE=Social Isolation Among Older Adults in the Time of COVID-19: A Gender Perspective JOURNAL=Frontiers in Public Health VOLUME=10 YEAR=2022 URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/public-health/articles/10.3389/fpubh.2022.840940 DOI=10.3389/fpubh.2022.840940 ISSN=2296-2565 ABSTRACT=

We aimed to analyze inequalities in social isolation among older adults in a time of COVID-19 social restrictions, using a gender perspective. A random population-based survey, including 21,543 older adults (65+) was conducted during and post COVID-19 lockdown in France. Our main outcome was a three-dimension indicator of social isolation based on living conditions, i.e., living alone (i) and not having gone out in the past week (ii), completed by an indicator measuring Internet use i.e., never using the Internet (iii). Logistic regressions were used to identify factors associated with isolation for women and men. Women were more likely to live alone (aOR = 2.72 [2.53; 2.92]), not to have gone out in the past week (aOR = 1.53 [1.39; 1.68]), and not to use the Internet (aOR = 1.30 [1.20; 1.44]). In addition to gender effects, being older, at the bottom of the social hierarchy, and from an ethno-racial minority was also associated with social isolation. Preventive policies should take into account these inequalities when addressing the issue of social isolation among older women and men, so as to enable all social groups to maintain social contacts, and access health information.