Together, but Isolated: A Dyadic Study of Social Isolation in older Adults and Caregivers

Objectives: Social isolation has negative health implications for older adults and caregivers. We examine the interdependency of social isolation among community-dwelling Medicare beneficiaries and their primary caregivers. Methods: Using data from the National Study of Caregiving and the National Health and Aging Trends Study (2015–2017, N = 522 dyads), we conducted actor-partner interdependence models to examine the dyadic associations between baseline social isolation and social isolation at 2-year follow-up among older adults and caregivers. We also tested for effect modification by dementia status and relationship type. Results: There was a low but significant correlation of baseline social isolation levels within dyads. Older adults’ baseline social isolation was positively associated with caregivers’ social isolation at follow-up but not vice versa. No evidence of effect modification was found. Conclusion: Reducing social isolation among older adults may benefit their caregivers. Future investigation of relationship quality and shared social activities of caregiving dyads is warranted.