Changes in Life-Space Mobility With Loss of Relatives and Friends Among Older Adults: Results From the UAB Study of Aging

Abstract Background and Objectives Increasing age brings a greater risk of death of friends and family (hereafter referred to as loss) potentially impacting individuals’ life-space mobility (LSM) trajectory. Research Design and Methods Using the UAB study of aging, we examined differences in LSM trajectories of 1,000 community-dwelling older Alabamians (65 + years) with and without loss over 8.5 years. We measured LSM using UAB’s Life-Space Assessment (LSA), a validated instrument assessing movement through zones ranging from their bedroom to out of town. We assessed loss every 6 months using a standard bereavement questionnaire capturing spousal, other relative, or friend loss. We used piecewise linear mixed-effects models to compare LSA trajectories. Results At baseline, those who later experienced loss, compared with those who did not were younger, more likely to be female, and overall in better health. Those without loss had a baseline mean LSA score of 49.5 and a decline of 0.08 points per year (p < .001). Those with loss had a baseline LSA score of 60 and declined by 1.0 point per year before loss (p < .001), accelerating to 1.8 points per year after loss (p < .001). Discussion and Implications Those with loss do not experience acute decline postloss but do have an acceleration of the preexisting decline. Although additional research may explain the impact of loss on LSM; this finding suggests that more interventions such as social, mental, or health care services, may be needed for those who experience loss. Specifically, bereaved individuals may benefit from it.