In this section
@article{Philip:2026,
author = {Philip, K and Buttery, S and Hopkinson, N and Polkey, M and Fancourt, D},
journal = {BMJ Public Health},
title = {The relationship of breathlessness with social isolation and loneliness: a nationally representative cohort study of older adults in England},
year = {2026}
}
TY - JOUR
AB - Introduction Breathlessness is a common and distressing symptom impacting quality of life and limiting activities of daily living. Social isolation and loneliness are associated with increased morbidity and mortality, being problems in themselves and risk factors for poor health. Qualitive studies indicate breathlessness impacts social health, however quantitative evaluation is limited. We aimed to assess the relationship of breathlessness with social isolation and loneliness in adults. Methods Using a nationally representative sample of older adults aged ≥50years from the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing (N=6,623). The sample had 44% males, mean age of 70years (SD=10). We examined associations of baseline breathlessness (mMRC breathlessness scale) with loneliness (3-item UCLA loneliness scale) and social isolation (low social contact, low community participation, living alone), at baseline, and follow-up at 4- and 8-years later, using regression models adjusted for confounders. Results At baseline, breathlessness was associated with higher levels of loneliness (coef.=0.161, 95%CI 0.1130.209), and social isolation, including low social contact (coef.=0.094, 95%CI 0.028-0.159), low community participation (coef.=0.169, 95%CI 0.117-0.221), and living alone (OR 1.089, 95%CI 1.0261.157). Longitudinally, breathlessness was associated increasing loneliness and reducing social contact and community participation at 4 and 8-year follow-up. Breathlessness was not associated with change in living alone. Findings were independent of identified confounders. Conclusions Breathlessness is related to increasing social isolation and loneliness, potentially due to limiting the amount and quality of social interactions. These findings suggest important psychosocial impacts of breathlessness requiring holistic management strategies.
AU - Philip,K
AU - Buttery,S
AU - Hopkinson,N
AU - Polkey,M
AU - Fancourt,D
PY - 2026///
SN - 2753-4294
TI - The relationship of breathlessness with social isolation and loneliness: a nationally representative cohort study of older adults in England
T2 - BMJ Public Health
ER -