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

TitleSociodemographic Factors and Neighborhood/Environmental Conditions Associated with Social Isolation Among Black Older Adults.
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of PublicationForthcoming
AuthorsTaylor, HO, Tsuchiya, K, Nguyen, AW, Mueller, C
JournalJournal of Aging and Health
ISSN Number1552-6887
KeywordsAfrican Americans, environment, Leave Behind Questionnaire, Neighborhoods, Social Support
Abstract

To investigate sociodemographic factors and neighborhood/environmental conditions associated with social isolation (SI) among Black older adults. 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 ( = 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. Sociodemographic factors of gender, education and household income were significantly associated with SI indicators. Additionally, some neighborhood/environmental conditions were associated with SI indicators. 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.

DOI10.1177/08982643221118427
Citation Key12728
PubMed ID36148575