Sociodemographic and Health-Related Correlates of Loneliness and Social Isolation Among Older Adults in Slovakia: Findings from the DISCONNECT Study

Abstract

Loneliness and social isolation are increasingly recognised as significant public health challenges associated with adverse mental and physical health outcomes in older populations. The aim of the study was to examine associations of sociodemographic characteristics, self-reported physical functioning, physical activity, subjective physical and mental health, and treatment-related health indicators with loneliness and social isolation among adults aged 65 years and older. Data from 664 adults aged 65 years and older who participated in a population-based epidemiological study conducted in Slovakia in 2024 were analysed. Loneliness was assessed using the 3-item UCLA Loneliness Scale, and social isolation was measured using the Lubben Social Network Scale (LSNS-6). Sociodemographic characteristics, health indicators, physical functioning, and physical activity were examined as factors associated with loneliness and social isolation. Binary logistic regression was used to examine factors associated with loneliness and social isolation. In the fully adjusted loneliness model, divorced and widowed participants had higher odds of loneliness than married participants, and university education was associated with lower odds than primary education, although education was not significant overall. Poorer self-reported physical functioning, less frequent physical activity, poorer subjective mental health, and social isolation were also associated with loneliness. Social isolation was associated with less frequent physical activity, receiving treatment for a mental health disorder, and loneliness. Being single rather than married was associated with higher odds of social isolation, although relationship status was not significant overall. Loneliness and social isolation were associated with partly different sociodemographic and health-related characteristics in this older-adult sample. The findings may help identify potentially vulnerable groups and inform future longitudinal research examining the temporal relationships between social disconnection and health-related factors.