Social exclusion in old age: a validation study in Hong Kong

Objectives: To validate a measure of social exclusion for older people based on one already in use for the general population.Methods: A random sample of 2281 older adults (age ranged from 65 to 89; mean age = 74.9; 52.6% females) were successfully interviewed face-to-face at their homes. The structured questionnaire included household income, household expenditure, asset, self-perceived poverty, household composition, socioeconomic characteristics of participants, and a measure of social exclusion.Results: Using factor analysis, we identified two dimensions in the measure of social exclusion, namely 'neighborhood exclusion' and 'limited social participation.' The internal consistency of the social exclusion index (Cronbach's alpha = 0.80) and its two dimensions were found to be adequate (Cronbach's alpha = 0.81–0.84). Its concurrent validity was also good and showed a significant correlation between household income (r = 0.28, p < 0.01), personal assets (r = 0.34, p < 0.01), and self-perceived poverty (r = 0.43, p < 0.01). Conclusion: The results indicate that it is possible to develop a social exclusion measure that is valid and reliable for older Hong Kong Chinese people. This measure can help policy-makers decide on the priorities and develop policies that better meet the needs of older people.