Social Disparities in Emotional Isolation and Sources of Support Among Older Adults in the US

• In Event: 4266 - Section on Aging and the Life Course Refereed Roundtables
  In Refereed Roundtable 100min: 8. Social and Familial Support

Abstract

Older adults experience rapid change in social and emotional relationships. The extent to which perceptions of emotional isolation and sources of emotional support vary across social groups remains poorly understood. This study uses data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey to investigate social differences in emotional support networks among older adults (N= 5910). Population level estimates suggest considerable disparities in emotional isolation across social groups, including differences by race/ethnicity, socioeconomic position, and health status. Differences in sources of emotional support vary widely across groups, including those relying on siblings and relatives, those who draw support from their children, and those who depend on spouses and friends. These findings are discussed in relation to the social differences in the consequences of aging and how more research is necessary for us to understand the causes and consequences of disparities in emotional isolation and social variation in emotional support networks.

Author

• Jake Tarrence, Ohio State University