Social Support : An Effect On The Emotional And Cognitive Impact On Loneliness Essay

The fact that the American population is aging has raised concerns. In 2011, the number of adults over the age of 65 reached 41.4 million, which account for 13.3% of the population ("A Profile of Older Americans: 2012," 2012). It is estimated that there will be about 71 million older adults by 2030 ("Healthy Aging-Improving and Extending Quality of Life among Older Americans," 2009). Approximately 2.1 million elderly are currently living in

The recent growth in the number of older adults in the United States is unusual in the history of America. The anticipation of the elderly population (65+) by the year 2050 will be almost 89million people, or greater than the population of the elderly in the year 2010 (CDC 2013).

Growth and development is an essential part of the life cycle, which leads to the occurrence of different phases like childhood, teenage and late adulthood. Aging is the period which is characterized by the onset of personal, cognitive and social changes. They feel hard to adjust the changes. Like rest of the world, the US also falls in the list of countries which have the highest population of elderly people. According to the Population Reference Bureau report, Americans ages 65 and older has projected to increase more than double from 46 million today to over 98 million by 2060, and the 65-and-older age group’s share of the total population will rise to nearly 24 percent from 15 percent (Mark Mather). The

Today people who are age 65 or older make up more than one tenth of the U.S. population and are the quickest growing age group (Zastrow & Kirst-Ashman,  2010). As adults reach later adulthood, they begin to undergo mental, physical, and social transformations. All of these changes are experienced and handled differently by each individual. Time and planning help to alleviate stress and can make these changes easier to deal with. Family and friends are an exceptional source of support during these tough times.

The first baby boomers, generally defined as those Americans born between 1946 and 1964, turn 65 in 2011. The number of older Americans will increase from 35 to 70 million by the year 2030 (Federal Interagency Forum on Aging-Related Statistics, 2000). The nation’s population will increase 18% during and the population aged 65 and older will increase 78%

Between 2000 and 2010, the population 45 to 64 years old grew 31.5 percent to 81.5 million. This age group now makes up 26.4 percent of the total U.S. population. The large growth among 45- to 64-year-olds is primarily because of the aging of the baby boom population. The 65-and-older population also grew faster than younger population groups at a rate of 15.1 percent to 40.3 million people, or 13.0 percent of the total population. Growth rates for those fewer than 18 and between the ages of 18 and 44 were much slower. The 18 and younger group grew 2.6 percent to 74.2 million people, comprising 24.0 percent of the total population, while the 18 to 44 age group grew at an even slower rate of 0.6 percent to 112.8 million, comprising 36.5 percent of the population (U.S. Census Bureau, 2011).

Adults age 65 years and older make up around 13 percent of the population (39 million people). This number is likely to increase significantly over the next 30+ years to encompass about 20 percent of the population (88.5 million). It is gathered that about 1 in 10 adults age 65

Social isolation can be a major health problem for many older adults (Dickens, Richards, Greaves, & Campbell, 2011). Social isolation involves, individuals lacking social connections and engagement with others (Nicholson, 2012). Depression in elderly populations has become more prevalent with the aging population (Pittock, 2012). Depression has negative effects on many facets of an elderly persons life, including quality of life and functional abilities (Ell, 2006). Depression rates in those 65+ living alone has been found to be between 1% - 4% (Mojtabai & Olfson, 2004). A recent meta-analysis found, those with strong social networks had a 50% reduction in the

Seniors often find themselves in situations of social isolation. This is especially true when their health has caused them to need constant care and supervision. A study titled "A Review of Social Isolation”

Worldwide demographic change has resulted in an amplified elderly population. The United Nations predict a two fold increase to 22% by 2050 in the proportion of people aged 60 years and over. [1] Similarly it is estimated by 2034 a quarter of the UK population will be 65 years and over. [2] This

The term elderly refers to those who are age sixty-five and older. There are three subsections of the elderly which include the young-old who are age sixty-five to seventy-four, the old-old who are age seventy-five to eighty-four, and the oldest-old who are age eighty-five and older. As the overall age of the United States' population is increasing, known as the graying of America, The current percentage of people sixty-five and older is about twelve percent and is expected to increase significantly over the next twenty years. This increase, cultural changes, and familial changes have led to an increased need of financial resources, legal aide, medical care, and nursing and assisted living facilities for the elderly. Because people are simply living longer than they have before, this puts increased tension on the society as a whole including government programs, legal and protective services, but especially the medical field. Instead of the family taking care of their elderly as in the past, now many of them end up in nursing homes and assisted living facilities.

Since there is a wide-range of elderly population, ageism has become a big problem. Some of the older population does not have social interactions with society which can create social isolation. Some of the older generation have children but are not living at the same location. Being alone, especially for a long amount of time can cause depression. Depression, if prolonged, can cause other health issues.

Loneliness is characterized as an emotional and cognitive reaction to having fewer and less satisfying relationships than one desires. Loneliness appears to be a common characteristic throughout the world. A study completed on Dutch students found that lack of reciprocity in a relationship resulted in loneliness, especially among those who perceived themselves as giving more than they were receiving (Buunk & Prins, 1998 in Baron & Byrne, 2003). Although the nature and purpose of loneliness have long been discussed in philosophy, theology, and literature, the scientific study of loneliness has a relatively short history. Early works were done by Frieda Fromm-Reichmann and John Bowlby, in discussing attachment bonds (Baron & Byrne, 2003). The

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