Loneliness, social isolation and social capital of ethnic minority/immigrant older adults

: a mixed methods investigation

Abstract

This thesis explores loneliness and social isolation among ethnic minority/immigrant older adults, investigating how ethnicity/immigration intersects with other important social positions—such as age, gender, and socio-economic status—to shape their experiences. It also explores the role of social resources—social networks, social support, and social capital—in mitigating these challenges. Using a mixed methods approach, the thesis integrates a systematic scoping review, statistical analyses of two national survey datasets, and qualitative interviews. This thesis comprises four components: 1) A scoping review of 76 journal articles, identifying five critical gaps and mapping factors of loneliness and social isolation within a multidimensional socio-ecological framework. 2) A latent class analysis of the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing, uncovering four heterogeneous loneliness trajectories in the COVID-19 pandemic compared to pre-pandemic among older adults in England. 3) A binary logistic regression analysis of the Evidence for Equality National Survey, examining the interplay of racism, social capital, and loneliness among Chinese, Indian, and Pakistani communities in the UK. 4) In-depth qualitative interviews with 20 ethnic minority/immigrant older adults and eight third-sector key informants, exploring their lived experiences over the life course. Findings demonstrate significant heterogeneity within ethnic minority/immigrant older populations, highlighting the diversity of their experiences with loneliness, social isolation and social capital. Ethnicity/immigration intersects with other critical social positions to shape their vulnerabilities. Ethnic minority/immigrant older adults actively mobilise social resources to combat loneliness, but structural barriers, such as racism and socio-economic inequalities, often undermine their efforts. This thesis underscores the urgent need to address social dimensions of ageing in diverse populations. By illuminating the multidimensional and intersectional nature of these experiences, it provides insights for targeted, equity-focused solutions that integrate individual agency with structural change to fostering social and emotional wellbeing for all older adults.

Date of Award	4 Jul 2025
Original language	English
Awarding Institution	University of St Andrews
Supervisor	Nissa Finney (Supervisor) & Joanna Mhairi Hale (Supervisor)