Social relationship patterns and their association with emotional and social loneliness in older adults with cognitive impairments

Objectives
This study explores the association between specific social relationship patterns and emotional and social loneliness among older adults with cognitive impairments, including dementia.

Method
Data from the 2018 Health and Retirement Study (HRS) were used to conduct a Latent Profile Analysis on 642 older adults with cognitive impairments, classifying social relationships based on contact frequency, network size, and perceived support. Associations between these patterns and levels of social and emotional loneliness were analyzed.

Results
Five distinct social relationship patterns were identified: Weak friends, Weak children, Strong friends, Weak family, Diverse – Virtual, and Diverse – high tension. Emotional loneliness was highest in groups with limited or negative close relationships, particularly in the Diverse – high tension patterns. Social loneliness, however, was more prominent in groups with restricted broader connections, such as Weak family and Weak friends.

Conclusion
Findings indicate that cognitive decline does not necessarily weaken social connections; many older adults with impairments maintain diverse relationships and benefit from virtual and positive support. Addressing social and emotional loneliness as distinct issues allows for targeted interventions, promoting well-being in this population.