Social Vulnerability Post-Incarceration: Analyzing Social Isolation and Loneliness Among Older Adults

TL;DR

This study finds that older adults with a history of incarceration face higher risks of social isolation and loneliness compared to those without such a history.

Contribution

The study is among the first to analyze the long-term social consequences of incarceration in older adults using a large national dataset.

Findings

Incarcerated older adults were more likely to lack close relationships with family and friends.

They also experienced higher levels of loneliness and lower social integration.

These findings suggest a need for targeted interventions to support this vulnerable population.

Abstract

This study examines how past incarceration affects social relationships in older adults.

To explore the relationship between past incarceration and the quality and quantity of social relationships among older adults.

Cross-sectional analysis of 13,023 Americans aged 50 and older from the Health and Retirement Study (HRS). Participants self-reported their history of incarceration.

Multivariable logistic regression determined the odds of lacking close ties, low social integration, and high loneliness, while linear regression evaluated the relationship between incarceration history and the number of close ties, controlling for demographic factors.

Among 13,768 respondents, 992 (7.2%) reported a history of incarceration. They were more likely to be unmarried or unpartnered (aOR: 1.34, 95% CI: 1.11-1.61), rate spousal closeness lower (aOR: 0.59, 95% CI: 0.50-0.70), and have no close relationships with children (aOR: 1.42, 95% CI: 1.19-1.69), family (aOR: 1.28, 95% CI: 1.06-1.54), or friends (aOR: 1.21, 95% CI: 1.01-1.44). They also had higher odds of low participation (aOR: 1.42, 95% CI 1:18, 1.71), low cohesion (aOR: 1.35, 95% CI 1.13, 1.60), and high loneliness (aOR: 1.67, 95% 1.43, 1.94). Linear regression revealed a similar pattern of social vulnerability across all social measures.

Older adults with a history of incarceration are at increased risk of social isolation and loneliness. Targeted interventions could improve their social integration and well-being.