Abstract
There is a significant gap in the current research showing the correlation between both social isolation and loneliness with the social functioning in elderly. In order to fill such a gap, the current study explored the question what is the relationship between objective social isolation and perceived isolation, loneliness, on the social functioning and health outcomes in elderly? A secondary analysis of the Sacramento Area Latino Study on Aging showed there is a statistically significant negative relationship between one’s level of social isolation and loneliness and their overall social functioning and health outcomes. Social isolation and loneliness both have a negative impact in similar and different ways on the overall social functioning and health outcomes in the elderly. Such findings provide direction for future policies aimed to help the elderly, which should focus on reducing both social isolation and loneliness.