A longitudinal analysis of social isolation among family caregivers in Canada

Caregiving is associated with complex health and well-being outcomes among caregivers. However, limited study has been conducted to examine social isolation as a caregiving outcome, or to establish the association between social isolation and mental/physical health. Longitudinal data on caregiving are advanced in providing a more comprehensive understanding of the health and wellbeing changes among caregivers over time and identify risk factors of adverse outcomes. This project aims to examine social isolation, physical and mental health among middle- and older-age Canadians in relation to their involvement in caregiving over time, such as caregiver status and intensity. The findings will inform policymakers and service providers to better support caregivers and promote a caregiver-friendly society. The current study will conduct longitudinal data analysis based on the Baseline, Follow-up 1, and Follow-up 2, and the COVID-19 studies data of the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging.