MA Research Paper

Degree

Master of Arts

Program

Sociology

Supervisor

Dr. Anna Zajacova

Delay of Publication

1

Abstract

Social isolation is particularly relevant among elderly individuals who are more likely to need care and help with their physical and living needs. Little is known about whether receiving help correlates with social isolation in older adults living at home as often there is no focus from caregivers and helpers on older adults' social needs. Using data from the 2018 US National Health and Aging Trends Study, a sample of adults aged 65 plus on Medicare/Medicaid (N=4,321), I examine the relationship between social isolation and help. I estimate ordinary least squares regression models to test the association between receiving help for instrumental activities of daily living and social isolation. The results show that increased help is associated with lower social isolation but that the effect is only evident for older men, not for older women. This research will contribute to the development of policies and programs directed at seniors receiving home care.

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Gerontology Commons

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