Table 3 Changes in social isolation scale from wave 2 to wave 3 (n = 1,119)

Loneliness

(1 = hardly ever or never, 2 = some of the time, 3 = often)

1. How often do you feel that you lack companionship?

938

-0.026

0.640

2. How often do you feel left out?

938

0.002

0.554

3. How often do you feel socially isolated from others?

933

0.009

0.512

Perceived Social Support

(1 = often, 2 = some of the time, 3 = hardly ever or never)

4. How often can you open up to members of your family?

1004

-0.020

0.833

5. How often can you rely on members of your family?

1008

0.074

0.717

6. How often can you open up to your friends?

1022

0.073

0.775

7. How often can you rely on your friends?

1020

0.132

0.802

8. How often can you open up to your spouse or partner?

750

0.073

0.586

9. How often can you rely on your spouse or partner?

747

0.044

0.471