Gender Differences in Social Isolation and Loneliness Among a National Sample of Dementia Caregivers

TL;DR

This study finds that male dementia caregivers are more likely to be socially isolated than female caregivers, highlighting the need for gender-specific support in dementia care.

Contribution

The study identifies gender differences in social isolation and loneliness among dementia caregivers using a nationally representative sample.

Findings

Male caregivers were more likely to be socially isolated than female caregivers (21.4% vs. 12.4%).

Male caregivers had smaller core discussion networks and were less likely to attend religious services.

Male caregivers were less likely to live alone but showed no significant difference in community activity participation.

Abstract

As life expectancy rises in the U.S., more older adults and their family/friend caregivers will face the challenges of managing dementia. Social connections can play a crucial role in providing support that may attenuate these challenges. However, little is known about gender differences in social isolation and loneliness among dementia caregivers. This study used Round 12 of the National Study of Caregiving (NSOC) to examine social isolation and loneliness among a nationally-representative sample of caregivers to community-dwelling older adults with dementia in 2022. Among 753 dementia caregivers, 39% (n = 242) were men. Using chi-squared tests and a multi-domain social isolation typology, we found that male caregivers were more likely to be socially isolated compared to female caregivers (21.4% vs. 12.4%; p < 0.01). Underlying components driving isolation among men included small core discussion network size (25.4% vs. 15.4%; p < 0.05) and no religious service attendance (64.6% vs. 45.5%; p < 0.001). However, men were less likely to live alone (3.9% vs. 12.6%; p < 0.001) and there were no significant gender differences in participation in community-based activities (66.5% vs. 64.5%, p = 0.74). Male caregivers were less likely to report loneliness than females, though this difference was not significant (23.8% vs. 30.0%, p = 0.12). Because women are at greater risk for dementia than men, the number of male caregivers for women with dementia is expected to grow. However, male caregivers are underrepresented in dementia research. Interventions and policies to support dementia care management (e.g., the GUIDE model) should carefully consider gender differences in social connection among dementia caregivers.