Predictors of diminished levels of social integration in older adults.

The purpose of this secondary analysis of prospective longitudinal data was to determine the variables predictive of diminished social integration in older adults over time. Using generalized estimating equations to model diminished levels of social integration over the 12-year study period, the following variables were predictive of diminished levels of social integration over time: bad overall health (odds ratio [OR] = 2.31, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.39, 3.83), depressive symptoms (OR = 1.36, 95% CI 1.13, 1.65), positive smoking status (OR = 1.40, 95% CI 1.15, 1.71), and decreased religious engagement (OR = 1.81, 95% CI 1.04, 2.19). A better understanding of predictive factors could positively impact resource allocation, prioritization, and case management for older adults. Copyright 2014, SLACK Incorporated.