Patterns of social isolation and loneliness among low-income older Latinos living with depression

Abstract

Older Latinos may be especially vulnerable to poor mental health due to structural inequities, yet few studies have described the patterns of social isolation and loneliness among this population. Latinos are the fastest growing population; further research is needed to better identify risk factors associated with poor mental health outcomes among low income older Latinos living with depression. This quantitative study explores the prevalence of social isolation, loneliness and depression in aims to better inform the development of culturally relevant services, which may be applicable to reduce health disparities among underserved older Latinos. The results suggest that older Latinos are more depressed than non-Latinos. Contrary to expectations, this study did not find an association for social connectedness according to participants’ sociodemographic and health factors, however, it is critical to draw attention to successful aging among this population in order for public health to formulate holistic preventative interventions that may better address differential health levels.