Examining the relations of loneliness, psychosocial resources, and functional well-being among oldest-old and older adult
Date
2023-12
Authors
Lee, Gina
Major Professor
Advisor
Martin, Peter
Russell, Daniel
Gilligan, Megan
Neppl, Tricia
Lee, Jeongeun
Committee Member
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Altmetrics
Abstract
There is a lack of studies on loneliness with longitudinal design, especially among older and oldest-old adults samples. The present dissertation investigated loneliness in older/oldest-old adults through three longitudinal studies using data from the Health and Retirement Study (HRS), a nationally representative study involving more than 20,000 adults aged 50 and older in the United States, exploring its links with social support, neuroticism, and functional limitations. All three studies of the dissertation utilized the data from 2008 (T1), 2012 (T2), and 2016 (T3).
The first study delved into the patterns of perceived social support from various sources (i.e., spouse, children, friends, and family members) among oldest-old adults who survived to at least 85 years (N = 1,484) by computing latent profile analyses, examining their association with loneliness over time with t-tests and analyses of variance. The results of the latent profile analyses suggested that the four-profile model is the best solution, which includes the Low Child Support (LCS), Low Family Support (LFS), Low Spouse Support (LSS), and All High Support (AHS) groups. The LCS group had the highest level of loneliness among the four groups, whereas the AHS group had the lowest level of loneliness.
The second study explored the reciprocal relationship between loneliness and functional limitations over time (T1 to T3) using a random intercept cross-lagged panel model (RI-CLPM) and employed multiple regressions to identify potential predictors of loneliness and functional limitations at T1. Older adults (Mage = 69.17) from the HRS were included in this study (N = 7,046). According to the results of the multiple regressions, being younger in age, being male, having lower educational attainment, not being married or partnered, having higher depressive symptoms, and having higher functional limitations significantly predicted greater loneliness at T1. Being older in age, not being White, having lower educational attainment, having higher depressive symptoms, and having higher levels of loneliness significantly predicted greater functional limitations at T1. The results of a RI-CLPM indicated that loneliness and functional limitations have bidirectional associations over time (T2-T3).
The third study involved mediation and moderated mediation analyses to investigate the interplay between neuroticism at T1 and functional limitations at T3, exploring the mediating role of loneliness at T2 and the moderating influence of social support at T1. Older adults (Mage = 69.17) from the HRS were included in this study (N = 7,046). The findings revealed that higher neuroticism, directly and indirectly, predicted greater functional limitations through higher levels of loneliness. Also, this mediation effect demonstrated conditional effects depending on the levels of social support. Specifically, individuals with higher levels of neuroticism exerted higher levels of functional limitations; however, for those with relatively high neuroticism levels who received high levels of social support, a mitigated effect was found for the level of functional limitations compared to those who received low levels of social support.
Key findings highlight the positive impact of social support in mitigating the adverse effects of neuroticism and loneliness on functional limitations. The intricate interplay between mental and physical health in late adulthood is emphasized. Health practitioners/professionals and care facility directors are advised to assist older adults with lower social support, heightened loneliness, neuroticism, and functional limitations, particularly those with limited social support from adult children. Recommendations include public education on loneliness, practical solutions, and targeted interventions to promote social engagement. This study provides critical insights into the complex relationship between loneliness and psychosocial factors affecting the well-being of older individuals.
Series Number
Journal Issue
Is Version Of
Versions
Series
Academic or Administrative Unit
Type
dissertation