Social isolation is a major social problem with health and economic implications globally (Cornwell and Waite, 2009; Gallie, Paugam, and Jacobs, 2003). It is reported to be associated with poor physical and psychological health among older adults (Findlay, 2003; Pettigrew, 2007). Additionally, social isolation also affects an individual’s well-being (Victor et al., 2000). Over the past 40 years, consistent research has been done on well-being of the elderly to reduce social isolation.
Previous literature examining social isolation of the elderly has looked at it from a healthcare, sociology and psychology perspective (e.g. Bild & Havighurst, 1976; Noël et al., 2004; Tse, Leung and Ho, 2012). In the healthcare literature, scholars have discovered pain, impairments, and chronic medical illnesses negatively affect older adults’ lives (e.g. Bild & Havighurst, 1976; Noël et al., 2004; Tse, Leung and Ho, 2012). It is proposed that active social contact involving creativity and mentoring should be encouraged to help improve physical well-being of the elderly (e.g. Tennstedt et al., 1998; Ciechanowski et al., 2004; McAuley et al., 2000). In sociological studies, social functions such as social interaction, social roles and social networks (Blazer, 2000) play an important role in the well-being of older adults (e.g. Grubb et al., 2011; Lee and Szinovacz, 2016; Davidson, Daly and Arber, 2003). It is suggested that older adults’ subjective well-being can be improved through more
Therefore, psycho-social vulnerability and social isolation were significant factors which enhanced both mental and physical functional vulnerability leading to frail older adults. Thus, the fall in social support may affect psychological and physical vulnerability, while social vulnerability has a potential to predict an increase of frailty in the
Activity theory of aging suggest that when elderly people interact with the community and include activities in their daily routine they are their happiest (Baird, 2011, p. 187). Ariel stated that “everyone need some form of release” (Lemmon, 1995).
As defined by Crossman (Disengagement Theory n.d.) “Disengagement theory states that in every society, the elderly undergo a process of adjustment in which they leave important public roles and narrow their social world to family and friends”. Thus, the
In middle adulthood there are many changes that occur physically, psychologically, and socially as explained in the above passages. Yet, some say that this is the best time of their life, they experience enhanced self-confidence, great sex lives, career success, and enhanced brain functions. Middle age adults are better equipped to make better life choices and decisions and not worry so much about the negative parts of life. Their problem solving skills are greater which allows them to reason more creatively. They are able to enjoy sex freely without the worries of getting pregnant and they feel more confident with their partners. In general they are happier about life and look forward to enjoying the rest of their lives.
Social is the term which is best suited for human being. Because they want companionship or like to stay together for may reason such as company, help, recreation, behavioral development etc. Social isolation is the physical separation of a human from a society of a group of people. Jacqueline old outlined the reason for social isolation in modern and developed countries as people want to be independent and do not want to bother friends, family members or neighbors which make them alone. From ancient time human are social and dependent on others who are relative or neighbor for interaction and helping the counterpart. Due to this social behavior of human they develop different relationships
Another two important themes this novel is based on is Illusion and Isolation, a false interpretation or perception. Illusion affords each of the three main characters a means of escape from the reality of the silent and isolated lives they lead. According to Wharton, Ethan would " imagine that peace reigned in his house" when Zeena stopped watching Mattie so closely after her arrival. Isolation, which is not self-imposed before the tragedy that befalls Mattie and Ethan, but is enforced upon them by outside circumstances. Ethan tried to escape the isolation of Starkfield and his father's farm by going off to the technological college at Worcester. He began to cultivate his own social traits and to overcome his reticence; however, his
Many of the elderly find themselves living in isolation. There are many reasons why the elderly will find themselves living alone and in isolation. Many times caregivers have difficulty intervening. Social isolation can have many effects on the health status of the elderly. When alone the mental, physical and even the nutritional status of the older person can be affected. Trying to get the person to accept that they are being isolated can be difficult. There are a few resources that can have a positive impact on the elderly. This paper discusses issues of isolation and the elderly.
Life satisfaction is typically related to social relationships, which helps us to understand why relationships are essential for older adults' well-being (Broderick & Blewitt, 2015). Naturally, it would seem that most adults in their later lives would have more support from friends and family to rally around them and support them through the various challenges and stressors of late adulthood. However, Broderick and Blewitt (2015) acknowledge that it is normal for their social networks of friends and family is smaller in scope than in the past. It must be
Friendship is used for seniors who are unable to function without a support system that provides a structured environment with reality orientated programs designed to promote enjoyment of “normal” daily activities. The program maximizes remaining strengths, functional abilities and prevents isolation. The program also encourages and enables seniors to socialize with their peers.
In early May, the Emerging Researchers in Ageing (ERA) group in partnership with Ageing Well in Wales and The Campaign to End Loneliness, held a one day event in Cardiff. The aim of the event, which was funded by the Centre for Ageing and Dementia Research (CADR: Swansea University) and Welsh Institute of Social and Economic Research, Data & Analysis (Wiserd: Cardiff University), was to provide learning and engagement opportunities for emerging academic researchers, across disciplines, working on issues of loneliness and isolation in later life.
Later adulthood is the time in life when changes in marriage, families, and peer relationships are affected the most by the loss of someone close to that person. “Most people 70 years of age or older are widowed, divorced, or single” (Zastrow & Kirst-Ashman, 2010, p.619). Losing a spouse or close friend can create a sense of loneliness, which causes depression, anxiety and the emptiness feeling can become overwhelming. Depression also leads to psychological effects that will deteriorate a person’s health causing the chance for a terminal disease to become much higher. The weaker appearance of older adults causes family and remaining peers to step up in the role of making sure the person’s wellbeing is being met. (Zastrow & Kirst-Ashman, 2010). Living accommodations and healthcare needs
The ability to support the older people keep up social ties with the use of technical devices such as telephone is vital, and there is indication that older people may benefit from the use of internet as a befriending opportunity (Skingley, 2013). According to Age UK (2009), there is no evidence to effectiveness of services aimed at reducing loneliness and social isolation among older people, but concludes that there is a need to focus on befriending services for older people, in particular the effectiveness of such services in terms of their impact on older people’s quality of life and their overall preventive value.
This study investigated the difference between emotional and social loneliness using structural equation modeling, evaluated whether a two-dimensional or unidimensional conception of loneliness provides a better fit to the data. Second, the extent to which positive and negative social exchanges are associated with older adults’ loneliness was examined. Third, they also investigated whether the structure and social-exchange correlates of loneliness differ for currently married versus formerly married older
There are many reasons to why elderly persons can fall at risk of social isolation and loneliness. These factors can range anywhere from
1) The article from The Gerontologist supports the activity theory of aging. This states that as people age, it is very important for them to be engaged in various activities and social roles. As described in the lecture, studies have shown that those who stay involved have less signs of depression and have a lesser decline in mental health. In addition, they are considered more competent than others in their age group by the general population since they are actively participating in society. The research described in the article proved that those who had moderate or high participation in activities such as working, volunteering, and caregiving had a better psychological well-being. It is not necessarily just taking part in these, but the level in which one does so is also crucial. It appears that moderate participation is the best way to a better psychological well-being, as one does not want to be overworked, but should still be involved.