Research suggests older adults are the most likely demographic to experience feelings of loneliness and social isolation.
By numbers, one in four Australian adults experience feelings of loneliness (APS & Swinburne University 2018).
Data from 2018 suggests that at least 13% of older adults over 65 experience loneliness, with those over 75 more likely to be lonely than any other age group. Furthermore, at least 8% of older adults over 65 are socially isolated (AIHW 2019).
Other research has found that living in a residential aged care facility can potentially contribute to these feelings of loneliness and social isolation (Neves, Sanders & Kokanović 2019).
Loneliness and social isolation are associated with poor physical and mental health, with research even suggesting that they increase the risk of premature death, even to the same extent as obesity, smoking and physical inactivity (CDC 2020).
Ensuring that your clients feel adequately supported and connected is therefore essential to optimising their health, wellbeing and overall quality of life.
Loneliness v Social Isolation
Social isolation is the objective state of being in minimal contact with other people.
Loneliness is the subjective feeling that you have less companionship, social contact or quality relationships with other people than you would like.
(AIHW 2019; Beyond Blue 2018)
Loneliness and social isolation might co-exist, but this is not always the case and the two terms are distinct. It is possible for a socially isolated person to feel content, or a socially connected person to feel lonely (AIHW 2019).
While loneliness may arise as an emotional response to being socially isolated, the quality of relationships seems to be more important overall than the number of social connections a person has (ACSA 2015).
It is important to note that loneliness varies in severity and is not always a significant issue. In some cases, the feelings may pass on their own. However, if an individual is experiencing constant loneliness that is causing self-reinforcing negative thoughts, this might be a serious problem (ACSA 2015).
The Five Dimensions of Loneliness in Older Adults
The individual’s private and personal feelings
The quality of the individual’s relationships
The individual’s sense of connection with their community
Time (of day, of the year, of the individual’s life)
Adjusting to loss, declining health and other changes.
(ACSA 2015)
What can Cause Loneliness and Social Isolation in Older Adults?
There are a variety of factors that may contribute to loneliness and social isolation in older adults, including:
Physical risk factors
Poor physical health (e.g. illness or disability)
Loss of physical or cognitive capacity
Sensory loss
Impaired mobility
Alcohol abuse
Certain conditions, including:
Alzheimer’s disease and dementia
Obesity
Increased vascular resistance
High blood pressure or cholesterol
Sleep disorders
Decreased immunity.
Social risk factors
The death of partners, family members or friends
Widowhood, not being married or not having children
As previously mentioned, the quality of a person’s relationships is more important than the number of social connections they have. Therefore, helping clients develop meaningful relationships with others may be more effective in overcoming loneliness than simply facilitating interactions with many people (ACSA 2015).
The following are some strategies that may help clients overcome loneliness:
Involving clients in the planning, delivery and evaluation of activities
Facilitating meaningful interaction with familiar people (e.g. family)
Facilitating programs that allow clients to strengthen their existing relationships and interests
Allowing clients to choose what activities they participate in and when
Allowing clients to express their opinions and choices
Facilitating activities that allow clients to take an active role in society
Facilitating activities that encourage a healthy lifestyle
Facilitating programs that help improve function and mobility
Facilitating interactions with people of different ages and backgrounds, and pets
Facilitating meaningful activities that help others (e.g. volunteering)
Managing physical and mental chronic health conditions
Providing the means for clients to connect with others through social media, letters, email and phone calls
Ensuring the service environment is age-friendly (e.g. rest areas, accessibility, green areas, safe design)
Individualising these strategies for each client.
(ACSA 2015)
Conclusion
Loneliness and social isolation have the potential to cause significant adverse effects on a person’s physical and mental health. In order to ensure your clients feel well-connected, it is important to understand why loneliness may arise and know how to help them overcome these feelings.
Keep in mind that interventions should be tailored to suit each client, as loneliness is a subjective and individual experience that can not be addressed using a one-size-fits-all approach (Fakoya, McCorry & Donnelly 2020).
Ausmed’s editorial team is committed to providing high-quality, well-researched and reputable education to our users, free of any commercial bias or conflict of interest. All education produced by Ausmed is developed in consultation with healthcare professionals and undergoes a rigorous review process to ensure the relevancy of all healthcare information and updates to changes in practice. If you have identified an issue with the education offered by Ausmed or wish to submit feedback to Ausmed's editorial team, please email ausmed@ausmed.com.au with your concerns.