The Problem Of Social Isolation Across Old Generation

Aging is a natural way of becoming older. Our human body goes through physical and emotional changes which make you do things slower. Besides the positive parts of aging an old life such as traveling, reconnecting with relatives or friends, discovering new hobbies, etc., seniors confront physical and mental illness as well. As a result of these negative factors, seniors fall into isolation.

There is a relationship between social isolation and loneliness. According to Wardle (2013) 'social isolation is believed to contribute to the development of loneliness'; however she states that 'not all individuals who are socially isolated are lonely'. Friends, relatives might surround you but feel lonely. Wenger and Burholt (2004) are confirming that there are “higher levels of loneliness among older individuals who reside in the home of a child”. Here is why living in-home care doesn't mean that seniors won't feel lonely. The number of calls between aged people saying they think alone is impressive big.

What makes seniors retire into isolation? The numbers of causes that make the older generation alone for days or even weeks are surprisingly big: health and mental conditions, depression, fear to fall, fatigue, chronic pain, and shame over memory, nervous about driving. Furthermore, eating and sleep disorder, increased stress and anxiety, death of spouse, children moving away, loss of network of friends. All things considered, the government and the entire society should come with solutions and 'break this vicious cycle that has significant repercussions on our society.

Finally, Natalie Cotterell in her article (2018) reviews different ways that help to prevent and reduce social isolation. She calls them 'interventions': working with individuals or groups, services, technology, neighborhood or government. On the same note, researchers, consumers, retirement houses, home living care, advocacy groups, etc., come with solutions as well. First of all, they all agree that 'listen and observe,' 'let them teach us' or 'bridge the generation gap' are useful techniques for older people. On the other hand, according to Forbes (2018) the role of technology and skyping with grandkids is a help to make connections with the social world. Although it is challenging for seniors to use new devices, it represents a valuable tool for future senior generation. Additionally, families come with other examples such as: visit and call the person as often as you can, encourage the person to stay active, invite the person for activities or celebrations etc. On the whole, it is a long and laborious process which requires the attention of the whole society: social worker, organizations, accommodations, and families.

In conclusion, the old generation falls into isolation not only because of physical and mental illness. It is commendable that everyone works for hand in hand to elaborate new strategies to stop or try to decrease the adverse effects of the isolation. Don't leave seniors alone! They carry so much knowledge, experience, and wisdom for our future generation.

References

1. Wardle J.L. (2013). “Exploring the relationship between social isolation, loneliness and housing.” (PDF) Toronto, Ontario, Canada, Jennifer Lynn Wardle
2. Which. (2019). “Causes of loneliness.” Retrieved from www.which.co.uk
3. Comfort Keepers. (2017). “Loneliness and Isolation can affect senior health in Canada.” Retrieved from: www.comfortkeepers.ca
4. Brunet. (2019). “Loneliness among the elderly: preventing isolation.” Retrieved from: www.brunet.ca
5. Forbes. (2018). “How to reduce loneliness in old age.” Retrieved from: www.forbes.com
6. Natalie Cotterell. (2018). “Preventing social isolation in older people” (PDF). Retrieved from: www.researchgate.net