Age Differences in the Association Between Subjective Isolation and Loneliness: Evidence from a Hybrid Panel Model

Abstract

Background

Subjective isolation and loneliness reflect cognitive and emotional dimensions of social disconnection, respectively, yet whether their association differs by age group—and whether it operates at both between-person and within-person levels—remains unclear.

Methods

Using three waves of a quota-based online panel survey conducted nationwide in Japan (25,403 observations; 15,634 individuals), we estimated hybrid random-effects models to decompose between- and within-person associations. Interaction models were estimated on a restricted panel sample (17,971 observations; 8,707 individuals), adjusting for sociodemographic and health-related covariates.

Results

Subjective isolation was strongly associated with loneliness at both the between-person and within-person levels, with both associations significantly weaker among older adults than working-age adults.

Discussion

The association between subjective isolation and loneliness varies across the adult life course, with older adults showing a weaker coupling between the two dimensions of social disconnection.

Keywords

subjective isolation loneliness age differences hybrid models panel data

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