The Short and Long-Term Correlates of Change in Loneliness Status: The Role of Epidemic Control Measures During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Howard Litwin*, Bracha Erlich

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

2 Scopus citations

Abstract

The COVID−19 pandemic and corresponding measures taken to control it seem to have had negative effects on the well-being of older people. The present study regressed short and long-term loneliness scores on the degree of stringency of epidemic control policies in Europe and in Israel, and on other pandemic-related variables, controlling for a range of possible confounders. The longitudinal sample numbered 18,265 persons, aged 65 and older. The analysis revealed that loneliness rose at both post-outbreak time measurement points. Moreover, stringency was related to change for the worse in loneliness status. Electronic-based communication did not reduce loneliness, while face-to-face contact did. The findings underscore that pandemic-related policy measures have unintended social consequences that need to be addressed.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1283-1298
Number of pages16
JournalJournal of Aging and Social Policy
Volume36
Issue number6
DOIs
StatePublished - 2024

Bibliographical note

Publisher Copyright:
© 2023 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.

Keywords

  • electronic communication
  • extraversion
  • face-to-face contact
  • longitudinal
  • neuroticism
  • SARS-CoV-2
  • SHARE
  • social network
  • stringency

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