According to a new study conducted by researchers at University College London (UCL), socially connected older adults in England experienced a significant decline in their quality of life and an increased sense of loneliness during the COVID-19 pandemic compared to their isolated peers. The study, published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS), analyzed data from 4,636 individuals with an average age of 67.

The findings revealed that isolated seniors faced fewer disruptions in their daily routines, which offered them some protection against the negative effects of the pandemic. However, socially isolated adults suffered a greater decline in physical activity and continued to worry about future financial stability.

Co-author Professor Andrew Steptoe, from the UCL Department of Behavioural Science & Health, noted that it was expected that socially isolated older individuals would be more vulnerable to the disruptions and restrictions brought upon by the pandemic. Surprisingly, the study suggests that isolated older people were somewhat shielded from the negative aspects due to having fewer social connections.

The researchers utilized data from the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing, a nationally representative population study, spanning from 2018 to the end of 2020. The participants were interviewed in 2018-19 and twice in 2020 to assess the impact of the pandemic on their quality of life and life satisfaction.

Approximately 29% of the respondents were classified as socially isolated based on factors such as frequency of contact with friends and family, living arrangements, and participation in clubs or organizations. Prior to the pandemic, these isolated older adults already had lower quality of life, life satisfaction, and greater loneliness. However, during 2020, their decline in these areas was less pronounced compared to their socially connected peers.

Lead author Claryn Kung, a senior researcher at the UCL Department of Behavioural Science & Health, hypothesized that socially connected older adults experienced a greater disruption in their daily routines and rhythms. On the other hand, isolated individuals may have experienced fewer changes in their lives, as their usual routines were less prone to disruption by pandemic restrictions.

The study also highlighted that isolated adults experienced a significant decline in physical activity, further widening the gap between the two groups. They also continued to express concerns about their future finances. Interestingly, their likelihood of internet use remained unchanged, while more socially connected individuals reported increased internet usage.

The study underlines the importance of caring for isolated older adults and emphasizes the need to pay attention to the impact of major disruptions in social activity during times of crises.

The research received support from the UK's National Institute for Health and Social Care Research (NIHR), the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC), and the US National Institute on Aging.

This study sheds light on the complex effects of social connections during crises and calls for continued efforts to support the well-being of socially isolated older adults, especially during challenging times.