Social Vulnerability Post-Incarceration: Analyzing Social Networks, Social Integration, and Loneliness among Older Adults.

Latham-Mintus K, Garrido M, Nelson E, Kheirbek RE. Social Vulnerability Post-Incarceration: Analyzing Social Networks, Social Integration, and Loneliness among Older Adults. The Gerontologist. 2025 Apr 15 DOI: 10.1093/geront/gnaf127.

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Abstract:

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: This study examines how past incarceration affects social relationships in older adults to explore the relationship between past incarceration and the quality and quantity of social relationships among older adults. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: Cross-sectional analysis of 13,023 Americans aged 50 and older from the Health and Retirement Study (HRS). Participants self-reported their history of incarceration. Multivariable logistic regression determined the odds of lacking close ties, low social integration, and high loneliness, while linear regression evaluated the relationship between incarceration history and the number of close ties, controlling for demographic factors. RESULTS: Among 13,768 respondents, 992 (7.2%) reported a history of incarceration. They were more likely to be unmarried or unpartnered (aOR: 1.34, 95% CI: 1.11-1.61), rate spousal closeness lower (aOR: 0.59, 95% CI: 0.50-0.70), and have no close relationships with children (aOR: 1.42, 95% CI: 1.19-1.69), family (aOR: 1.28, 95% CI: 1.06-1.54), or friends (aOR: 1.21, 95% CI: 1.01-1.44). They also had higher odds of low participation (aOR: 1.42, 95% CI 1:18, 1.71), low cohesion (aOR: 1.35, 95% CI 1.13, 1.60), and high loneliness (aOR: 1.67, 95% 1.43, 1.94). Linear regression revealed a similar pattern of social vulnerability across all social measures. DISCUSSION AND IMPLICATIONS: Older adults with a history of incarceration are at increased risk of social isolation and loneliness. Targeted interventions could improve their social integration and well-being.