A longitudinal analysis of changes in sensory and cognitive functioning: testing bidirectional effects on social isolation, social participation, and depressive symptoms

Project Summary

Social isolation, loneliness and restriction in social participation have adverse implications on the longevity, health, and well-being of older adults. Previous research using baseline CLSA data has shown that age-related declines in hearing and/or vision are related to reduced social function in older adults. To extend this work, the proposed project will use data from the first 3 waves of the CLSA to evaluate whether individuals with hearing, vision, or dual-sensory decline have higher levels of social isolation, loneliness, restriction in social participation, and symptoms of depression, over time. The project will also evaluate whether the associations between these concepts are modified by hearing/vision aid use, type of hearing/vision assessment (survey vs. physical assessment), age, biological sex, and cognitive functioning. This project is relevant to the World Health Organization’s Commission on Social Connection, which aims to address loneliness as a pressing health threat.