Introduction
Social loneliness and isolation become common problems among older people today. With the trend ongoing, the importance of such issues has become evident due to their high incidence rate and the impact on the life of older citizens and their loved ones. Through this essay, the author aims to address the profound importance of loneliness and social isolation among older adults, considering their effects and the current beliefs surrounding them. Moreover, it will deliver views and insights through the lens of experience, complete with supportable intervention ideas that could help minimize the adverse effects.
Significance of the Issue
Loneliness and social isolation among older adults are now more visible because of their deteriorating health along with low quality of life linked to such situations. Moreover, the research from 2016 to 2022 showed the effect of social isolation on physical, emotional, and mental health outcomes among the elderly (Cacioppo et al., 2020, Perissino et al., 2019). Long-term isolation has been linked to an increased risk of developing cardiovascular diseases, depression, or cognitive decline. Inflation is also the outcome of social isolation. They are not only problems of those aging, but they also have significant social implications in terms of cost and emotional burden for their family, caregivers, and society.
Current views on the issue
An increasing understanding of the complex nature of loneliness and social isolation conditions characterizes contemporary society. Hence, most scholarly and professional experts prefer multidimensional approaches that target the root causes of these problems and encourage social connection and community involvement (Hwang et al., 2021). Grassroots initiatives, like senior clubs, social clubs, and volunteer organizations, are suggested as proven ways through which the elderly can get a chance to interact in a social group and be supported. Moreover, technology has brought valuable solutions to fight social isolation among senior citizens. Platforms and technologies of communication digitally enhance parental connections, give access to support groups, and allow adults to participate in meaningful activities in the comfort of their homes.
Above all, efforts to tackle loneliness and social isolation continue to face significant hurdles, although the awareness of these issues has increased tremendously. Ageist prejudices and misconceptions are responsible for disrespecting the elderly and their actual needs, which eventually leads to their marginalization (Salari et al., 2021). Additionally, more prominent infrastructural factors such as restricted access to transportation and healthcare services worsen the isolation some older adults often experience, especially among those from underserved communities.
Person perspectives and invention ideas
Creating a combination of the broad and narrow angles of approaches perhaps can be the right approach to deal with loneliness and social isolation in the elderly. At first, the measure of financial assistance extended to community services that cater to the needs of older individuals as the main focus in the community will have to be increased (WHO, 2020). This will include options for many modes of transport, public areas, and better funds for social companies and activities. Besides, the level of eagerness among older individuals to learn digital skills and the presence of technology older people are the factors that enable them to deal with the stages of social disconnection and avail of the necessary services. The elderly can visit telehealth services and online support groups to get the health care and emotional support they need anywhere. Thus, the feelings of isolation and loneliness are fewer.
Connecting generations is as important as any other method of combating loneliness and isolation among the elderly. Engagement activities that are multigenerational serve adults and youth together; thus, they can interact, mentor, and be friends together, thereby building a joint understanding and giving support to each other (Killgore et al., 2020). Community-level projects that change ageism and promote meaningful relationships between older adults and members of other generations are great strategies for ensuring older adults’ sense of belonging.
Conclusion
In summary, loneliness and social isolation are important issues confronting the older population since they lead to a deterioration of health, well-being, and quality of life. It is offered as pertinent proof that ongoing efforts geared to create sensitization and immediate cultures of problem-solving are indispensable. There is a need for a developed approach through which community-based projects, emerging technology applications, and opportunity-sharing inter-generations will work for a better community, improving the older generation’s quality of life.
References
Cacioppo, J. T., Cacioppo, S., Capitanio, J. P., & Cole, S. W. (2020). The neuroendocrinology of social isolation. Annual Review of Psychology, 66, 733–767. https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev-psych-010814-015240
Hwang, T. J., Rabheru, K., Peisah, C., Reichman, W., & Ikeda, M. (2021). Loneliness and social isolation during the COVID-19 pandemic. International Psychogeriatrics, 33(5), 627–637. https://doi.org/10.1017/S1041610221002048
Killgore, W. D. S., Cloonan, S. A., Taylor, E. C., & Dailey, N. S. (2020). Loneliness: A signature mental health concern in the era of COVID-19. Psychiatry Research, p. 290, 113117. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psychres.2020.113117
Perissinotto, C. M., Holt-Lunstad, J., Periyakoil, V. S., & Covinsky, K. (2019). A practical approach to assessing and mitigating loneliness and isolation in older adults. Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, 67(4), 657–662. https://doi.org/10.1111/jgs.15731
Salari, N., Hosseinian-Far, A., Jalali, R., Vaisi-Raygani, A., Rasoulpoor, S., Mohammadi, M., Rasoulpoor, S., & Khaledi-Paveh, B. (2021). Prevalence of stress, anxiety, depression among the general population during the COVID-19 pandemic: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Globalization and Health, 17(1), 1–11. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12992-021-00660-3
World Health Organization. (2020). Global age-friendly cities: A guide. World Health Organization. https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789240001290
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