Principles of Social Isolation in the Elderly - Coursework Example

Social isolation in elderly [Institution’s name] [Course name] [Course Code] [Instructors name] [Date of submission] Definitions Social isolation as a medical condition is described as “a state in which a client or group experiences or perceives a need or desire for increased involvement with others but is unable to make contact” (Lubkin 2012). Ferrara offers a deeper definition by saying that the word isolation is derived from the Latin word insula which means island thus cut off from the mainland. When used together with the word ‘social’ it means separation from the collective. Tomaka, Thomson and Palacios (2006) argue that differentiating social isolation from loneliness forms the basis of defining and understanding what social isolation is as people tend to wrongly use the words interchangeably. They write that social isolation is physical separation from other people by living alone while loneliness refers to the subjective feeling state of being alone. Simply put, social isolation is physical while loneliness is psychological. Much of the literature on social isolation among the elderly seeks to show the link between social isolation and physical health and well being. Flanagan (2010) indicates that the social isolation not only affects physical health and well being but also psychological health. He says that social isolation is a leading cause of depression among the elderly and also marks the onset of chronic illnesses. However, the definition of social isolation is based on the apparent characteristics. Lubkin (2012) says that for social isolation to be defined as such, certain subjective feelings of aloneness must be present. There are four major characteristics of isolation; insecurity in social situations, absence of meaningful relationships, feelings of aloneness or rejection and a desire for contact with more people. Other minor characteristics that have been identified relate to lack of communication, withdrawals and decision making. However, it must be noted that the definition of social isolation by characteristics varies from one country to the other depending on the involved ministry or government organ. Lubkin (2012) warns that in modern nursing practice, there is a problem in diagnosing loneliness and social isolation. He says loneliness has often been cited as a response of social isolation among the elderly while in the real sense it is a cause. The author thus recommends a change of diagnosis from social isolation to diagnosis of loneliness or risk for loneliness which is clearer. Whichever, the approach, there are common causes of social isolation hat can be identified and managed to avert social isolation among the elderly. Awareness of social isolation Recent research and development in the health fields has seen a shift in the approach of social exclusion. Earlier on, the problem was treated as a purely social problem. However, currently social exclusion is perceived both as a social and health problem owing to the high association of a number of health problems to the condition. Through research, a number of illnesses such as depression and mental problems have been linked with social isolation. This has fanned interest in social isolation as a health issue. Governments and non governmental organizations have increased research funding to the subject. For instance, in 2011, the Australian Research Council awarded $348,151 to a group of researchers to carry out a research aimed at identifying the most effective programs to combat social isolation in an ageing society. One of the lead researchers , Professor Andrew Beer noted that “social isolation is equivalent to the health effects of smoking 15 cigarettes a day or consuming more than six alcoholic drinks daily, ….It is more harmful than not exercising and twice as harmful as obesity" (University of Aldelaide, 2011). Increased awareness and acknowledgment of social isolation as a societal and health problem is motivating enactment of responsive and pre-emptive programs, both by national and state governments, private individuals and community organisations to address the matter. However, according to Martin (2010) in some cases motivation for addressing social isolation and caring for the aged at a family level is driven by greed and the promise of inheritance. Causes of social isolation A number of causes of social isolation have been identified by numerous authors and experts in the subject. Common causal factors are - including isolation as a widower Family breakdown (divorces) causes social isolation Divorce rates in the modern world have increased tremendously. The causes for divorce vary from unfaithfulness to boredom in married life. In most cases, social isolation can happen to kids or either of the partners. Given that divorce qualifies as one form or rejection, the rejected party may find it necessary to withdraw from mainstream life activities. Individuals may thus find it necessary to severe all ties with their friends and families to pre-empt the problem of rejection. A report in the UK found out that family breakdown also leaves the elderly without a family to take care of them. With the high rate of divorce at 20% (Martin 2010), the number of isolated elderly people is set to rise. Potential drug and alcohol abuse and social isolation Increased alcohol abuse in the modern society has led to an increase in the number of isolated people more so the elderly. The drug user can either be the elderly, their care givers or both. Flanagan (2010) observes that elderly drug users tend to keep to themselves in an attempt to steer clear of the vice after realising that their age does not suit substance abuse. Alternatively, if their primary care givers turn to drugs and alcohol abuse, they are likely to be neglected left out and feel isolated. Flanagan (2010) says the impact of drug use and alcohol abuse erodes the family support system that the elderly require to be and feel included. Migrants and refugees Migrants face a numerous challenges such as acculturation in their new found countries. In addition to the general problems facing immigrants and refugees, the elderly face an uphill task in coping with these challenges. For instance, elderly migrants are more dependent on their children and grandchildren for support. Given that in the new countries they may not be legible for the existing social support systems, they tend to be over reliant. Such economic and social strains lead them to isolation and a world of seclusion. For others, social isolation may result from separation from their families and traumatizaton by a hostile legal system in the new country among other reasons. Socio economic factors A 2003 report by the WHO indicates that poor socioeconomic factors affect health through out life. The people at the lowest end of the socioeconomic gradient have the highest risk of diseases and premature death. The quality of life also changes across the socioeconomic gradient with people at the top enjoying a higher quality life than those at the bottom of the gradient. As such, social isolation levels are also higher in elderly people at the lower side of the socioeconomic gradient. A research in Wales and England showed that life expectancy differed according to occupation. Professionals had a relatively higher life expectancy both in women and men as compared to partly skilled and unskilled manual workers. Professional men had a life expectancy of 82.9 years while unskilled men in manual labour had a life expectancy of 75 years only (Wilkinson and Marmot 2006). In 1999 in Australia, half the deaths occurred after 77.8 years while half the deaths of the aboriginal people occurred at only 52.3 years (Funnell, Koutoukidis, & Lawrence, 2008). This is indicative of a precarious situation for the predominantly socio-economically challenged aboriginal people. Poor socioeconomic factors lower life expectancy and its quality. Such a trend is also expected for isolation levels among the elderly. It can be deduced that elderly individuals from professional occupations such as lecturers and lawyers face a lower threat of social isolation compared to those in the unskilled labour sector. Mental health issues Mental health matters are still stigmatised in the modern society despite increased awareness and campaigns over the same. Mental health patients are discriminated at many levels especially in social activities. This happens because once mental health problems set in; they affect an individual’s employability, his housing, income and even opportunities to access common social services which often lead to severe socio-economic deprivation and social isolation (Ferrara, 2009). Empirical observations and research indicate that very few people with mental problems are in employment. However, given that majority of the elderly people are in retirement, a significant amount of elderly people with mental problems were forced by their health condition to retire, and also to retire into a life of social isolation. Physical difficulty (Mobility issues) Immobility for many elderly people limits them from the type of social activities that they can be involved in. In many countries, driving is restricted to a certain age. This implies that elderly people have limited options in choosing how they move from one point to another. On the other hand, many elderly people are afflicted with diseases such as arthritis and poor eyesight which limit their movements. In other cases, hearing issues may affect their interaction with other people or even use of equipment such as telephones and television. This makes is very hard fro the elderly to be involved in socially inclusive activities. Geography Social isolation due to geographic reasons is more common to seniors living in far flung rural areas with relatively very low populations. As such the elderly residents of such areas have even fewer people to relate and socialise with. This is often complicated by the problem of immobility and other health issues associated with old age (Flanagan, 2010). While many younger people can live in geographically excluded areas and still remain socially active and included, the elderly face a higher risk of social isolation. Conclusion It is apparent that the factors that cause social isolation in pockets of the general population also apply to the elderly, though at a greater intensity. It has been indicated that the fact that the elderly people tend to be dependent on the younger members of the society and families in addition to social support systems, the failure or lack of the core supporting system can easily lead to social isolation. The preceding factors need not be socio economic but can also be health related. In that regards, this paper concludes that elderly members of the society, especially those in rural and secluded areas and those facing socioeconomic and health problems need greater attention to make their remaining life years worthwhile. References Adelaide University. (2011). Social isolation a critical issue facing our elderly. Retrieved on 11.03.2012 from, Ferrara, H. (2009). Seniors’ social isolation a scoping study. Centre for Social and Community Research. Retrieved on 11.03.2012 from Flanagan, W. (2010). Urban sociology: images and structure. London: Rowman & Littlefield. Funnell, R. Koutoukidis, G. & Lawrence, K. (2008). Tabbner's nursing care: theory and practice. Sydeny; Elsevier Australia. Hortulanus, R. Machielse, A. & Meeuwesen, L. (2006). Social isolation in modern society. London: Taylor & Francis. Lubkin, P. (2012). Chronic illness. London; Jones & Bartlett Publishers. Martin, D. (2010). ‘The middle aged who only care for parents because they stand to gain’ Daily Mail, Retrieved on 11.03.2012 from Tomaka, J., Thomson, S. and Palacios, R. (2006) ‘The relation of social isolation, loneliness, and social support to disease outcomes among the elderly’, Journal of Aging and Health, 18(3), pp. 359-384. DOI: 10.1177/0898264305280993. Wilkinson and Marmot (2006). Social determinants of health. London: Oxford. Read More