Associations between Socioeconomic Status and Social Isolation across Age Groups: A Cross-sectional Study in Singapore

Background: The impact of socioeconomic status on social isolation is well-established, yet understanding how this relationship varies across different age groups remains underexplored. This study addresses this gap by investigating the association between various socioeconomic indicators and social isolation across three distinct age categories: young adults (21-44 years), middle-aged adults (45-64 years), and older adults (≥65 years). Methods: The 6-item Lubben Social Network Scale was used to assess social isolation. Socioeconomic status was measured through education level, employment status, personal income, housing type, and self-perceived money sufficiency. Logistic regressions were employed to examine the association between socioeconomic indicators and social isolation within each age group. Results: Results revealed a consistent gradient in the relationship between socioeconomic status and social isolation, with notable age-related disparities. Specifically, income and self-perceived financial sufficiency emerged as significant indicators associated with social isolation among young adults, whereas middle-aged adults exhibited associations with education, employment status, income, housing type, and self-perceived financial sufficiency. For older adults, housing type and self-perceived financial sufficiency were key factors influencing social isolation, even after controlling for demographic variables and other socioeconomic indicators. Conclusion: This study underscores the nuanced impact of individual socioeconomic indicators on social isolation across different age groups. By delineating these associations, it offers insights into the selection of appropriate socioeconomic measures and underscores the necessity for tailored interventions targeting specific socioeconomic groups within each age cohort.