Understanding how social isolation affects bone health in older adults
Official title: Investigating the Impact of Social Isolation on Bone Metabolism
Funded at Mainehealth · NIH-10878917 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how feeling lonely during the COVID-19 pandemic might affect bone health in older adults, especially since stress from isolation could lead to bone loss and osteoporosis, and it aims to understand the differences between men and women in this situation.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Mainehealth NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Portland, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $127,427 |
| NIH project number | 5K01AR082964-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10878917 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are older adults aged 65 and over who have experienced social isolation, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are younger than 65 or those who have not experienced significant social isolation may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the effects of social isolation on bone metabolism, particularly in older adults who have experienced increased isolation during the COVID-19 pandemic. It aims to understand how psychosocial stress from isolation may lead to bone loss and osteoporosis, which are significant health risks for this age group. The study will explore the biological mechanisms behind these effects, including differences between males and females, and will utilize both clinical assessments and laboratory analyses to gather data. By focusing on this vulnerable population, the research seeks to fill a critical gap in knowledge regarding the intersection of mental health and physical health.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved strategies for preventing bone loss and osteoporosis in older adults, enhancing their overall health and quality of life.
How similar studies have gone: While previous studies have shown that psychosocial stress can negatively impact bone health, this specific investigation into social isolation's effects on bone metabolism is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Mainehealth
Portland, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mountain, Rebecca — Mainehealth
- Study coordinator: Mountain, Rebecca
Related research
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How social isolation affects aging health in schizophrenia
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The effect of social isolation on aging health in people with schizophrenia
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UCSF Prevention Center to Reduce Loneliness in older LGBTQ+ adults
A center at UCSF will partner with communities to reduce loneliness and social isolation among LGBTQ+ adults ages 60 and up.
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Genetic and brain factors behind how people respond to social isolation
A study to understand why some individuals respond differently to social isolation by looking at genes and brain circuits.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.