The impact of loneliness and social isolation on the benefits of an exercise program with hospitalised older adults

Abstract

Objectives

This study aimed to assess the prevalence and impact of loneliness (De Jong Gierveld scale) and isolation (Lubben scale) on the effects of a hospital-based exercise programme.

Design

Secondary analysis of a randomised clinical trial.

Setting

Acute Geriatric Unit of a tertiary hospital in Spain.

Participants

103 hospitalised older adults.

Intervention

Individualised multicomponent exercise program (20-minute sessions twice a day for 3 consecutive days).

Results

Among the 103 randomised patients included in the analysis (both arms included), 58.3% were male, and their mean age was 87.3 (4.5) years. According to the Lubben scale, 15.8% of patients were at risk of isolation, while 62.7% were in a situation of severe or moderate loneliness according to the De Jong Gierveld scale. In the non-isolated group, training showed a substantial positive impact on Geriatric Depression Scale (B = −1.25, 95% CI = −0.24 to −0.27). In the isolated group, all outcomes improved, but only the Quality of Life showed significant changes (B = 35, 95% CI = 4.96–35.8). The SPPB test (B = 1.62, 95% CI = 0.19–3.04) and Quality of Life, (B = 17.1, 95% CI = 1.84–32.3) showed a significant improvement in the non-loneliness exercise group while no differences were found in the loneliness group.

Conclusion

Despite the high prevalence of loneliness and social isolation, individualised exercise programs provide significant benefits to hospitalised patients, especially in quality of life.