Rajat Rao
Janhwi Singh
Topic – Impact of Social Isolation in Elderly People
Introduction –
Research suggests a strong association between social isolation and health issues in the elderly, particularly among women aged 60-69. One notable factor is hearing loss, which has been linked to increased isolation in this age group (Mike Pt, Lin FR). The overall health of elderly individuals is influenced by the social culture around them, with factors such as loneliness, inadequate support, and a lack of belongingness being significant predictors of their well-being (Joe Tamaka et al.). This report explores the origins, effects, and potential solutions to social isolation in older adults.
How this originates –
Social isolation refers to the condition where a person is physically separated from others. Loneliness and isolation are similar terms but they don’t point to the same conditions. Social isolation typically refers to the objective physical separation from other people, such as living alone or residing in a rural area. Loneliness, on the other hand, refers to the more subjective feeling state of being alone, separated, or apart from others. You can be in the middle of a happening event and still feel lonely, but the same is not true for social isolation, making loneliness a very subjective experience while social isolation remains totally objective. Research has shown fairly consistently that social isolation and loneliness are related to negative health outcomes and that social support of various types and from various sources is associated with positive health outcomes (Cassell, 1976; Cobb, 1979; S. Cohen & Syme,1985; Ernst & Cacioppo, 1999; Gupta & Korte, 1994; House et al.,1988; Uchino, Uno, & Holt-Lunstad, 1999). While negative effects of social isolation manifest in persons of all ages [8], numerous studies indicate that consequences are particularly pronounced in elderly populations [2, 3, 9–17].
How does it affect?
Social isolation has been linked with a range of health problems in middle and later life. Individuals who are socially isolated have been found to be at greater risk of developing cardiovascular disease [2], stroke [2], depression [3], dementia [4], and premature death [5]. Social isolation affects both individuals and the wider community. Health issues arising from isolation and loneliness lead to an increased use of health and social care services, and a higher number of emergency admissions and GP consultations.(Natalie Cotterell, Tine Buffel, Christopher Phillipson,Preventing social isolation in older people,Maturitas,Volume 113,2018,Pages 80-840).
While negative effects of social isolation manifest in persons of all ages [8], numerous studies indicate that consequences are particularly pronounced in elderly populations [2, 3, 9–17]. Although the negative impact of social isolation on elderly individuals is well-documented, less is known about the precise mechanisms underlying perceived changes in quality of life due to situational social isolation.(Newman-Norlund RD, Newman-Norlund SE, Sayers S, McLain AC, Riccardi N, Fridriksson J (2022) Effects of social isolation on quality of life in elderly adults)
The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated social isolation, with studies linking it to rising rates of anxiety and depression among older individuals. Factors such as financial concerns, uncertainty about health, and lack of digital connectivity worsened feelings of loneliness (Sousa ILMd et al., 2022). Divorced individuals and those with lower education levels were found to be especially vulnerable due to reduced social support and financial insecurity.
There were a few factors that were associated with most of the individuals who found themselves struggling with depressive disorders and social isolation during the pandemic –
- Showing Signs of Anxiety During the COVID-19 Pandemic –
Anxiety and depression are closely linked, particularly among elderly individuals. Much of the elderly individuals experience uncertainty regarding their and their loved ones health, financial concerns and disruptions in daily life. Persistent anxiety often leads to depressive symptoms as individuals get overwhelmed by the stressors they can’t handle or control - Having a low level of education –
People with less knowledge or awareness of a multitude of mental difficulties and coping mechanisms, struggle to deal with new mental health problems when they happen. Elderly individuals are no different to such conditions. Additionally, those with lower educational attainment often face financial insecurity, which can exacerbate stress and contribute to feelings of helplessness, further pushing elderly people into the hole of isolation. - Being Divorced –
Social support is a crucial protective factor against depressive disorders and social isolation. Reduced social interaction and absence of a spouse or close partners, lead to absence of emotional support leading to chronic sadness.
These are a few of the factors that directly promote social isolation and lead to troublesome mental disorders in the long run. This necessitates the implementation of structured mental health support programmes, tailored to the elderly population, including accessible telehealth services, psychology counseling and community outreach initiatives.
Establishment and promotion of various education programmes promoting digital literacy can also empower older adults to stay connected with their loved ones and can act as prevention to social isolation.
Determinants and Mitigating Factors of Loneliness Among Older Adults-
Determinants- A number of factors associated with later life such as the loss of a partner, reductions in social networks typically developed during work-life, associated reductions in social activity, and challenges related to declining physical health, mobility, and doing activities of daily living mean older adults are more at risk for the impacts of social isolation and loneliness associated with poorer health and wellbeing (Dahlberg et al., 2022; Kemperman et al., 2019; Patel et al., 2019).The feeling can be mutual among older adults but, they tend more often to be women, live alone, have lower incomes, live in rural areas, and practice poorer self-care (Berg-Weger and Morley, 2020; Chatters et al., 2018; Yang et al., 2018).Concerns over social isolation and loneliness among older adults have intensified by an ageing global population and the increasing normalization of self-segregated living (Wigfield and Alden, 2018).According to the United Nations in 2020, the percentage of the world population that is 65 years or older is anticipated to almost double from 9.3% to 16.0% by the year 2050, and the number of older persons living alone is also growing (United Nations, 2020).
However, beside the discovery of new risk factors researchers are increasingly examining factors and conditions that help to mitigate the impacts of social isolation and loneliness on health and wellbeing. Under a study done by Harvard Medical School it was found that older adults – who are more socially connected are happier, physically healthier, and live longer (Waldinger and Schulz, 2010). Further, Saeri et al. (2018) highlighted how the sense of belonging and value creation that comes from forging frequent personal relationships through community engagement is a positive determinant of both physical and mental health. The Harvard study also mentioned that the Quality of relationship is more important than the Quantity of relationships.Their conclusion has been empirically confirmed by several subsequent studies that also have pointed to the greater significance of the quality of experience (e.g., Hsu and Chang, 2015; Sun et al. 2020).
Conclusion –
The time for proactive mental health interventions is right now. Elderly individuals, particularly those who experience anxiety, social isolation and pre-existing conditions such as depression, should be taken care of, deliberately. Importance of social connectivity and community engagement has increased multiple folds. One good example of such an initiative is the Japanese’s ‘The Adachi Ward’s Zero Tolerance to Isolation Project’. It actively involves participation from all citizen volunteers to regularly visit and monitor elderly residents at risk of isolation. Another similar example is Okazaki City’s partnership. Again Japanese, that acts as a Concern reporting agency of any elderly resident living, to the government or support centres (Kohei Suzuki, 2020). Similar policies can be adapted worldwide to foster stronger social ties and enhance the quality of life for the elderly.”
