Examining social barriers in relation to social isolation and loneliness

There is a great deal of evidence showing the negative health implications of loneliness and isolation in later life. Researchers are now turning their attention to what can be done to address loneliness and isolation in older adults. However, determining solutions requires a clear understanding of the pathways into loneliness. One way of examining the causes or pathways is to examine social barriers. For some, a barrier to participation may be lack of time; for others it may be economic (lack of money) or environmental (lack of transportation; weather). The type of barrier provides important clues as to how to address isolation, or, conversely, to foster participation. The present study will examine social barriers data collected as part of CLSA with the purpose of extending our understanding of the pathways into social isolation and loneliness.