TITLE:
The Mediating Role of Loneliness in the Association between Social Isolation and Self-Rated Health in Community-Dwelling Chilean Older Adults
AUTHORS:
Pedro Olivares-Tirado
KEYWORDS:
Social Isolation, Loneliness, Self-Rated Health, Mediation Analysis, Older Adults, Chile
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Social Sciences,
Vol.14 No.2,
February
14,
2026
ABSTRACT: Aim: Research indicates that social isolation and loneliness among older adults increase the risk of poor self-rated health (SRH) and vice versa. This study examines how loneliness may mediate the relationship between social isolation and health status among older Chilean adults. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 6755 participants aged 60 and older. The social isolation concept was operationalised using a 6-item measure adapted from Zavaleta et al.’s approach; loneliness was measured using the Three-Item Lonely Scale; and SRH status was measured with a standardised question from the Chilean Quality of Life and Health Survey. An IRT-1PL model and Confirmatory Factor Analysis were used in combination to validate the psychometric properties of social isolation. A mediation analysis using generalised structural equation modelling (GSEM), adjusted for relevant confounding factors, was conducted. Results: 30.4% of participants experienced social isolation, and 23.4% reported feelings of loneliness. Among those with poor SRH, 45% faced social isolation, and 37% experienced loneliness. GSEM indicated that the indirect effect of social isolation on poor SRH via loneliness was significant (β = −0.183), suggesting that loneliness was an important mediator, and the direct effect of social isolation on poor SRH was also significant (β = −0.324), indicating partial mediation. Conclusions: The association between social isolation and poor health status was significantly mediated by loneliness among Chilean older adults. The findings underscore the importance of social connectivity for the health status and well-being of older adults, and provide guidance for future interventions that promote social engagement and help older adults cope with loneliness to achieve successful ageing.