Citation

Robins LM, Hill KD, Finch CF, Clemson L, Haines T. Aging Ment. Health 2016; ePub(ePub): 1-8.

Affiliation

Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Department of Physiotherapy, Southern Physiotherapy Clinical School , Monash University , Melbourne , Australia.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2016, Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.1080/13607863.2016.1242116

PMID

27736192

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: Social isolation is an increasing concern in older community-dwelling adults. There is growing need to determine effective interventions addressing social isolation. This study aimed to determine whether a relationship exists between physical activity (recreational and/or household-based) and social isolation. An examination was conducted for whether group- or home-based falls prevention exercise was associated with social isolation.

METHODS: Cross-sectional analysis of telephone survey data was used to investigate relationships between physical activity, health, age, gender, living arrangements, ethnicity and participation in group- or home-based falls prevention exercise on social isolation. Univariable and multivariable ordered logistic regression analyses were conducted.

RESULTS: Factors found to be significantly associated with reduced social isolation in multivariable analysis included living with a partner/spouse, reporting better general health, higher levels of household-based physical activity (OR = 1.03, CI = 1.01-1.05) and feeling less downhearted/depressed. Being more socially isolated was associated with symptoms of depression and a diagnosis of congestive heart failure (pseudo R(2) = 0.104).

DISCUSSION: Findings suggest that household-based physical activity is related to social isolation in community-dwelling older adults. Further research is required to determine the nature of this relationship and to investigate the impact of group physical activity interventions on social isolation.

Language: en