Association between three levels of social exclusion and quality of life in the oldest old Australians : An analysis of the household, income and labour dynamics in Australia data

This study examined associations between three levels of social exclusion and quality of life in the Australian oldest old. We performed cross-sectional analyses of the Household, Income and Labour Dynamics in Australia data using 203 participants aged ≥85. Principal component analysis was used to construct social exclusion variables at an individual level (lack of supportive relationships), neighborhood level (disadvantaged neighborhood social climates), and community level (community disengagement). Quality of life was assessed using physical and mental component summary scores of SF-36. Multiple linear regression analysis was performed separately for men and women. Lack of supportive relationships was negatively associated with physical and mental quality of life in all participants. Among men, community disengagement was associated with low physical quality of life. Policies to reduce social exclusion in this age group should focus on improving supportive relationships to enhance quality of life, rather than neighborhood or community levels.

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