An epidemic of social isolation? Age and cohort trends of social connectedness among older adults, 2004–2018

{Despite growing concerns of social isolation among older adults, the potential role of societal changes, such as the rise in non-kin relations, non-religious social participation, and digital media use, remains understudied in shaping social connectedness among younger cohorts. This study moves beyond traditional measures of core kinships, religious social participation, and in-person contact to better reflect emerging societal changes. Applying Hierarchical Growth Curve Modeling to the Health and Retirement Study (HRS, 2004–2018