Discussion Reply
Initial posts should be a minimum of 200 words. Replies to classmates should be at least 175 words. All posts must include APA style in-text citations as well as complete references. Do not list any reference unless you used it in the post. Your posts should show evidence of analysis and critical thinking, and the ability to use scholarly sources, as opposed to presenting an opinion.
Benjamin Lloyd (He/Him)
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Social isolation and loneliness, a state of complete or close to complete lack of social contact and are increasingly spreading among elderly people. This is mainly attributed to conditions like living alone, losing family members and friends, terminal illness, and hearing loss. This has exposed the elder generation to dementia by close to 50% (Abd Allah, 2019). It is also considered a problem due to its association with other health problems such as heart disease and depression. Many of these factors causing social isolation and loneliness are mainly experienced by old people, making the condition worse for them compared to other age groups.
Due to these health issues related to social isolation among the elderly, it is important to find effective ways to resolve them. Among some of the effective suggested ways of solving the isolation problem is making sure that they stay actively connected despite their age. This can be achieved by identifying various activities like farming that will enable them to stay active. This may also provide them with an opportunity to meet other people who share similar interests as them. Another way to solve the issue is to get them moving by organizing travels and evening walks to help boost their mood and energy. This will also allow them to connect with people more. Family members should also regularly stay in touch with the elder people in the family, either through audio calls, video calls or by paying them regular visits (Abbas et al., 2021). For those who love or are interested in being around animals, buying or adopting pets for them will provide comfort for them. It will also help in giving them company, thereby avoiding being lonely.
References
Abbas, S., Alvi, A. S., & Tarar, M. G. (2021). Social isolation and well-being among community-dwelling elderly. Journal of Management Practices, Humanities and Social Sciences, 5(2). https://doi.org/10.33152/jmphss-5.2.6
Abd Allah, E. S. (2019). Perceived hearing handicap and social isolation among elderly with hearing impairment attending Zagazig University Hospitals. Iris Journal of Nursing & Care, 1(2). https://doi.org/10.33552/ijnc.2018.01.000506
Sophia Borovsky
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Social isolation and loneliness have continued to create an increasing problem over the years in elderly people. There is research that suggests that social isolation and also loneliness can reflect on a negative impact on an individual’s health. If there is no social support system for a person who has downfalls in their health then that outcome can result in something far more dangerous. A study was done to have an examination of the relations among social isolation, loneliness, and other social support to see the health outcome of those who were 60 and older. “Participants answered questions pertaining to demographics, social isolation and loneliness, social support, and disease diagnosis including diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, liver disease, arthritis, emphysema, tuberculosis, kidney disease, cancer, asthma, and stroke” (Tomaka et al., 2006). The result showed the correlational analyses of the support in relations to majority of the health outcome. There are similarities and also differences that explain how the health outcome results in association with the varaibles and patterns with an individual. The overall discussion that can be explored is how the importance of social isolation and loneliness can affect the health of older people and the knowledge we have to have in order to prevent increase.
Tomaka, J., Thompson, S., & Palacios, R. (2006). The Relation of Social Isolation, Loneliness, and Social Support to Disease Outcomes Among the Elderly Tomaka, Joe ; Thompson, Sharon ; Palacios, Rebecca. Journal of Health and Social Behavior, 18(3), 335–485. https://doi.org/10.1177/0898264305280993
The submissions for this assignment are posts in the assignment’s discussion. Below are the discussion posts for Rosemonde Bathelmy, or you can view the full discussion.
from Discussion 2
Feb 2, 2023 10:12PM
Rosemonde Bathelmy
Rosemonde Bathelmy: Discussion 2
Social Isolation and Loneliness
Both academic and medical research has been done on the factors that lead to older people feeling lonely and socially isolated. Research released in the British Medical Journal showed that older adults who live in communities are at a greater mortality risk of passing away from depression and social stigma. According to a different study, the old are usually more affected by stigmatization than their younger counterparts. Research posted in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine found that seniors 65 and older reported loneliness more frequently than people in other age groups.
One of the main factors contributing to isolation and social ostracization in older individuals is the death of a spouse. Research in the journal Gerontologist found that widowhood was linked to a higher risk of loneliness, particularly among older women. In addition to social and physical deterioration, psychological anguish, and a loss of meaningful interactions, aging can lead to isolation and loneliness (Sepúlveda et al., 2020).
The challenge with elderly depression can be addressed by identifying those at risk of being socially isolated and providing them with the support and resources they require. Social interventions, like group events, can be beneficial in reducing cases of social isolation and loneliness. (Jill,1999). Additionally, it’s critical to ensure that older people have access to proper housing and transportation, as these might be crucial elements of social connectivity.
Finally, it’s essential to comprehend how social loneliness and isolation may negatively impact older persons’ physical and mental health (Sepúlveda et al., 2020). As a result, it is crucial to guarantee that older people have access to the necessary medical treatments, including mental health services. Friends and family can greatly help mitigate loneliness and social separation by regularly visiting and interacting with seniors.
In conclusion, loneliness and social isolation among the elderly are serious problems that may harm their mental and physical well-being. It’s crucial to identify those who might become socially isolated and provide them with the support and resources they need. Minimizing emotional experiences of isolation and loneliness can also be addressed by initiatives like group activities and regular visits from family and friends.
References
Jill, Q. (1999). Aging and the life course: An introduction to social gerontology. Sepúlveda-Loyola, W., Rodríguez-Sánchez, I., Pérez-Rodríguez, P., Ganz, F., Torralba, R., Oliveira, D. V., & Rodríguez-Mañas, L. (2020). Impact of social isolation due to COVID-19 on health in older people: mental and physical effects and recommendations. The journal of nutrition, health & aging, 24, 938-947.
from Discussion 2
Feb 5, 2023 2:19PM
Rosemonde Bathelmy
Hello Benjeman, Thanks for your post. I read your post and I think it’s very interesting. Loneliness and social isolation is a very sad thing for older people. Unfortunately, they are so many of age adults living alone and isolate themselves. Families need to have a plan in place for their parents as they are approaching the age of 65 and older. Usually, older adult live alone due to the lost of their spouse or other family member move out with their own life. It would be fair if families find available activities in their communities and set up a mode of transportation for them to join during the week, or even set up for them to meet their friends often that would keep them engage and make them feel that they are not alone even if they live alone. If not loneliness and social isolation can cause all types of mental issues like dementia, Alzheimer, and depressions etc. Research shown that social interaction and loneliness are significant public health concerns identified the association with pessimistic physical, mental, and cognitive health result and increased risk of mortality. Because of the changes in their life situations many older people are socially isolated and undergo loneliness.
Coyle, C.E. and Dugan, E. (2012). Social isolation, loneliness, and health among older adults. J. Aging Health 24, 1346-1363. Doi: 10.1177/0898264312460275
from Discussion 2
Feb 5, 2023 10:36PM
Rosemonde Bathelmy
Hello Sophia, Thanks for your post. I enjoy reading your post and it is true that Social isolation and loneliness is a growing issue among the older adults. Research shown that individuals are social living things. Our relationship with people allows us to live and prosper. Still as we get older, a lot of us are lonely more than when we were younger. which may cause us to be prone to social isolation and loneliness and associated with health issues like cognitive decline, depression and heart disease. Thankfully, there are ways to correct these mortal consequences. Research also shown that individuals who become alone unexpectedly because of a death of a spouse or a lover, absence of a friend or family separation, loss of ability to move, and don’t have transportation are vulnerable to social isolation and loneliness. However, individuals who participates in some important activities with others will help them to live longer and also will help them with their sense of humor and make them feel they have a purpose to live. These actions tend to help them manage their welfare and may also benefit their mental health.
Cacioppo JT and Hawkley LC. Perceived social isolation and cognition. Links to an external site. Trends in Cognitive Sciences. 2009;13(10):447-454.hia, Thanks for your post. I enjoy reading it and it’s interesting
