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Exclusion from Social Relations in Later Life: Micro- and Macro-Level Patterns and Correlations in a European Perspective

Author

Listed:
  • Thomas Hansen

    (Department of Mental health and Suicide, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, 0213 Oslo, Norway
    NOVA Norwegian Social Research, Oslo Metropolitan University, 0130 Oslo, Norway)

  • Marcela Petrová Kafková

    (Department of Sociology, Faculty of Social Studies, Masaryk University, Jostova 10, 60200 Brno, Czech Republic)

  • Ruth Katz

    (Max Stern Yezreel Academic College, Haifa 31905, Israel)

  • Ariela Lowenstein

    (Center for Research & Study of Aging, The University of Haifa, Haifa 31905, Israel)

  • Sigal Naim

    (Max Stern Yezreel Academic College, Haifa 31905, Israel)

  • George Pavlidis

    (Department of Culture and Society, Linkoping University, 60230 Norrkoping, Sweden)

  • Feliciano Villar

    (Department of Cognition, Development and Educational Psychology, University of Barcelona, 171, 08035 Barcelona, Spain)

  • Kieran Walsh

    (Irish Centre for Social Gerontology, National University of Ireland Galway, H91 F677 Galway, Ireland)

  • Marja Aartsen

    (NOVA Norwegian Social Research, Oslo Metropolitan University, 0130 Oslo, Norway)

Abstract

Older adults face particular risks of exclusion from social relationships (ESR) and are especially vulnerable to its consequences. However, research so far has been limited to specific dimensions, countries, and time points. In this paper, we examine the prevalence and micro- and macro-level predictors of ESR among older adults (60+) using two waves of data obtained four years apart across 14 European countries in the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe (SHARE). We consider four ESR indicators (household composition, social networks, social opportunities, and loneliness) and link them to micro-level (age, gender, socioeconomic factors, health, and family responsibilities) and national macro-level factors (social expenditures, unmet health needs, individualism, social trust, and institutional trust). Findings reveal a northwest to southeast gradient, with the lowest rates of ESR in the stronger welfare states of Northwest Europe. The high rates of ESR in the southeast are especially pronounced among women. Predictably, higher age and fewer personal resources (socioeconomic factors and health) increase the risk of all ESR dimensions for both genders. Macro-level factors show significant associations with ESR beyond the effect of micro-level factors, suggesting that national policies and cultural and structural characteristics may play a role in fostering sociability and connectivity and, thus, reduce the risk of ESR in later life.

Suggested Citation

  • Thomas Hansen & Marcela Petrová Kafková & Ruth Katz & Ariela Lowenstein & Sigal Naim & George Pavlidis & Feliciano Villar & Kieran Walsh & Marja Aartsen, 2021. "Exclusion from Social Relations in Later Life: Micro- and Macro-Level Patterns and Correlations in a European Perspective," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(23), pages 1-16, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:18:y:2021:i:23:p:12418-:d:688100
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Thomas Hansen & Marja Aartsen & Britt Slagsvold & Christian Deindl, 2018. "Dynamics of Volunteering and Life Satisfaction in Midlife and Old Age: Findings from 12 European Countries," Social Sciences, MDPI, vol. 7(5), pages 1-15, May.
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    Cited by:

    1. Gustafsson, Per E. & Fonseca-Rodríguez, Osvaldo & Nilsson, Ingeborg & San Sebastián, Miguel, 2022. "Intersectional inequalities in loneliness among older adults before and during the early phase of the COVID-19 pandemic: A total population survey in the Swedish eldercare setting," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 314(C).

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