The association of multigenerational family characteristics with loneliness and social isolation in older adults

Abstract

Loneliness and social isolation are widespread among older adults, especially in aging societies undergoing demographic and social transitions. Despite growing global interest, few studies have examined how multigenerational family characteristics contribute to these outcomes in later life. This study explored the associations between loneliness and social isolation in older adults and the demographic, health, and socioeconomic features of three family generations. This community-based cross-sectional study used a two-stage stratified random sampling method. Data were collected through structured interviews using standardized questionnaires. A total of 185 older adults (first generation), 185 adult children (second generation), and 185 grandchildren (third generation) participated. Standardized tools, including the De Jong Gierveld Loneliness Scale and the Social Isolation Questionnaire by Chalabi and Amirkafi, were used to assess outcomes. Sociodemographic and health characteristics were recorded across all generations. Statistical analyses included descriptive statistics, chi-square, t-tests, ANOVA, and both univariate and multivariate linear regression models. The prevalence of loneliness and social isolation in the older adults sample was 68.6% and 29%, respectively. Financial sufficiency in older adults was significantly associated with lower loneliness levels (B = − 0.69, p = 0.039), and rural residence predicted lower social isolation (B = − 4.43, p = 0.033). Among second-generation variables, only adult children’s residential proximity to the older parent significantly predicted lower social isolation (B = 3.73, p = 0.020). Characteristics of grandchildren showed no significant association with either outcome. Financial adequacy specifically reduces loneliness, while rural residence and children’s proximity protect against social isolation. Other intergenerational factors showed limited impact. Findings advocate for targeted interventions ensuring economic security and family proximity, offering more effective strategies than broad multigenerational approaches for promoting elder well-being.