Objective  To investigate the status quo and influencing factors of social isolation among community elderly and to provide evidences for improving the quality of life of the elderly.

  Methods  Using convenient sampling, we recruited 1 526 residents aged 60 years and above in 6 communities of Tangshan city, Hebei province for face-to-face interviews conducted from December 2017 to August 2018. A self-designed questionnaire, the Abbreviated Lubben Social Network Scale (LSNS-6), Emotional Balance Scale, Social Support Rating Scale and Montreal Cognitive Assessment Scale were used in the survey.

  Results  For all the participants averagely aged 71.08 ± 7.729 years, the mean score of LSNS-6 was 16.16 ± 5.447 and 371 (24.3%) were assessed as being with social isolation (LSNS-6 score of ≤ 12). Univariate analysis revealed following significant influencing factors of social isolation: demographic characteristics (age, education, marital status, number of children), health condition (chronic illness, physiological perception, cognitive function), psychological status (emotional balance, negative life event, interpersonal well-being), family environment (family structure and grandparenting) and social environment (social support and community function) (P < 0.05 for all). Multivariate linear regression analysis demonstrated that age, education, number of children, having three or more chronic diseases, cognitive function, emotional balance, grandparenting, social support, and community function were of significant influence on social isolation among the participants (all P < 0.05).

  Conclusion  Multiple factors have significant impact upon social isolation among elderly community residents in Tangshan city and strengthening familial and social support can reduce the risk of social isolation in the elderly.