I don't know. The web mag article doesn't mention it; the abstract on the NIH website doesn't mention it; and the link to the full text isn't working.
For instance, I suspect that the raw data which was used by the study could be examined in ways such as: find the top 5% cognitive performers and determine how many of those socially isolate compared to the average.
Also, the study's definition of isolation is rather severe: "People were classified as socially isolated if they were living alone, had social contact less than monthly and participated in social activities less than weekly." The mean age in the data is 57, too; the investigation is focused on those who are getting on in years.
The source of the data would almost certainly have to be self-reporting, rooted in the answers to some questionnaires. A following problem could occur there: some of those who have a full-time job could answer yes to having daily social contact, whereas others could interpret social as anything but work. That would then cause a bias: over-representation of the unemployed in the isolated category. Speaking of work, based on the mean age, there is going to be a bunch of retirees in there too. Retired old people who don't see anyone not doing well mentally is hardly a secret.
kazinator|3 years ago
For instance, I suspect that the raw data which was used by the study could be examined in ways such as: find the top 5% cognitive performers and determine how many of those socially isolate compared to the average.
Also, the study's definition of isolation is rather severe: "People were classified as socially isolated if they were living alone, had social contact less than monthly and participated in social activities less than weekly." The mean age in the data is 57, too; the investigation is focused on those who are getting on in years.
The source of the data would almost certainly have to be self-reporting, rooted in the answers to some questionnaires. A following problem could occur there: some of those who have a full-time job could answer yes to having daily social contact, whereas others could interpret social as anything but work. That would then cause a bias: over-representation of the unemployed in the isolated category. Speaking of work, based on the mean age, there is going to be a bunch of retirees in there too. Retired old people who don't see anyone not doing well mentally is hardly a secret.