Is Physical Activity Associated With Loneliness or Social Isolation In Older Adults? Results of a longitudinal analysis using the TILDA Study

McMullan, Ilona, Bunting, Brendan P., Burns, Annette, Smith, Lee, Cunningham, Conor, O’Sullivan, Roger, Blackburn, Nicole, Wilson, Jason and Tully, Mark A. (2021) Is Physical Activity Associated With Loneliness or Social Isolation In Older Adults? Results of a longitudinal analysis using the TILDA Study. Journal of Aging and Physical Activity, 29 (4). pp. 562-572. ISSN 1543-267X

Preview	Text Accepted Version Available under the following license: Creative Commons Attribution Non-commercial No Derivatives. Download (390kB) | Preview
	Text (Word version) Accepted Version Available under the following license: Creative Commons Attribution Non-commercial No Derivatives. Download (106kB)

Abstract

Social relationships are central to the health and well-being of older adults. Evidence exploring the association of physical activity (PA) with social isolation and loneliness is limited. This study uses a path analysis to investigate the longitudinal association between loneliness and social isolation with PA using the Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing. Higher levels of social isolation measured using the Berkman–Syme Social Network Index were directly and indirectly associated with lower levels of walking, moderate PA, and vigorous PA over 6 years. Additionally, higher levels of walking were associated with lower levels of loneliness measured using a modified version of the University of California, Los Angeles loneliness scale over a 3-year period. Future interventions should target individuals who are more socially isolated and explore the effects of different types of PA on loneliness over time.

Item Type:	Journal Article
Keywords:	Physical Activity, Ageing, Loneliness, Social Isolation, Older Adults
Faculty:	Faculty of Science & Engineering
SWORD Depositor:	Symplectic User
Depositing User:	Symplectic User
Date Deposited:	09 Sep 2020 15:47
Last Modified:	24 Jan 2022 17:43
URI:	https://arro.anglia.ac.uk/id/eprint/705864

Actions (login required)

Edit Item