This study investigates the long-term outcomes associated with changes in social isolation among older adults. Using data from the Health and Retirement Study (HRS), researchers assessed the impact of social isolation changes over a 4-year period on mortality, physical function, cognitive function, cardiovascular disease (CVD), and stroke. The study found that increased social isolation was associated with higher risks of mortality, disability, and dementia, regardless of the individual's baseline isolation status. In contrast, decreased isolation was only associated with a reduced risk of mortality among those who were not socially isolated at baseline. The findings highlight the importance of interventions aimed at preventing increased social isolation to mitigate its adverse effects on health outcomes in older adults.This study investigates the long-term outcomes associated with changes in social isolation among older adults. Using data from the Health and Retirement Study (HRS), researchers assessed the impact of social isolation changes over a 4-year period on mortality, physical function, cognitive function, cardiovascular disease (CVD), and stroke. The study found that increased social isolation was associated with higher risks of mortality, disability, and dementia, regardless of the individual's baseline isolation status. In contrast, decreased isolation was only associated with a reduced risk of mortality among those who were not socially isolated at baseline. The findings highlight the importance of interventions aimed at preventing increased social isolation to mitigate its adverse effects on health outcomes in older adults.