Sibling Disconnectedness in Midlife and Cognitive Functioning in Later Life: Is Loneliness an Explanatory Factor?

Gina Lee, Jooyoung Kong, Deborah Carr, Michal Engelman, Center for Demography of Health and Aging, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Sandra Rosenbaum School of Social Work, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Department of Sociology, Center for Innovation in Social Sciences, Boston University, Department of Sociology, Demography of Health and Aging, University of Wisconsin-Madison

Journal of Aging and Health

Published online on July 18, 2026

Abstract

Journal of Aging and Health, Ahead of Print.
ObjectivesSibling ties are among the most enduring of all social relationships, so the loss or absence of this long-standing bond may undermine the well-being of older adults. This study examined whether and how disconnectedness from adult siblings (i.e., ...