Author: Hajra Nadeem, Research Associate

Every day, countless elderly individuals face the silent struggle of social isolation—a hidden struggle that deeply affects their mental health and well-being. Elderly individuals are among the most vulnerable members of society, requiring particular attention and care, especially during critical situations or natural disasters such as floods, heatwaves, and earthquakes. Their old age, along with possible physical weakness and slower metabolism, makes them more prone to negative impacts. Just as we prioritize their physical health, it’s equally crucial to address their mental well-being. Ensuring comprehensive care for both aspects of health is essential for promoting the overall well-being of elderly individuals in our communities.

Social isolation negatively impacts cognitive functioning since social interactions stimulate the brain and keep the mind active and engaged. Essentially, social isolation occurs when someone doesn’t have enough social connections. Due to lack of social connections, they lack emotional support, making it difficult for them to cope with stress and life challenges and when there is no one to offer advice, their stress and anxiety increase. Isolated individuals lack someone to share their worries and problems with, leading to overthinking and worsening mental health. Depression is brought on by prolonged social isolation. Since loneliness has been linked to increased incidence of anxiety, depression and suicide (Alzheimer’s disease and health aging, 2021). Physical health issues, like heart problems, can lead to mental health problems such as stress and depression. Conversely, mental health issues can lead to physical health problems, including heart disease, diabetes, and hormonal imbalances. Elderly individuals are especially more vulnerable to these effects.

Today’s life is full of busy routines. We engage ourselves so much in work and earning money that we don’t have time for ourselves or our family and loved ones. Social isolation is a widespread issue that can affect people of all ages but has a significant impact on the elderly. Elderly people often become isolated or neglected as their family members become busy with their work. According to research by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, approximately 25% of persons aged 65 and older are considered socially isolated (National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, 2020). Factors such as living alone, the loss of family or friends, chronic illness, and hearing loss contribute to higher levels of social isolation among the elderly. This isolation can lead to symptoms like anxiety, depression, cognitive decline, and physical diseases such as heart disease. A study found that older people’s complaints of fatigue, depression and disturbed sleep were linked to social isolation (Choi et al., 2015).

Elderly individuals often face physical limitations such as mobility issues and chronic conditions, making it difficult for them to participate in social activities. Additionally, retirement can lead to a loss of daily interactions and friendships. These barriers increase social isolation among the elderly. They lack someone to share their thoughts, perceptions, and information with, and they don’t have anyone to reveal in about their stress and emotions. As a result, they bottle up their feelings, leading to mental stress. Moreover, at this stage in life, elderly individuals often reflect on their past experiences, which can make them even more anxious and worried about both their past and future. Moreover, well-established, financially settled, or literate elderly individuals generally have fewer chances of social isolation and are more familiar with using social media for communication compared to those who are not financially settled or are poor. Elderly individuals with financial burdens often have to work themselves, face heavy workloads, and worry about their children’s future. These financial and familial stresses can lead to significant mental health issues. Limited financial resources and busy schedule restrict their ability to engage in community activities, access transportation, and afford communication tools like mobile phones. These poor elderly individuals often lack the time to share their worries or life challenges because they must work hard day and night.

Many people view the elderly as a burden and place them in old age homes. While old age homes can provide a safer environment for such individuals, humans as emotional beings, need more than just shelter; they need love and care from their loved ones. When elderly individuals are placed in these homes, they often feel isolated and lose their sense of belonging. They may feel unworthy or like a burden to their children, which can severely impact their mental health. However, not all experiences in old age homes are negative. Some elderly individuals find relief from these old age homes, build strong social connections, and engage in various activities.

It is important to have someone with whom we can share our worries, problems, perceptions, and thoughts. This helps us feel more relaxed and allows us to gain advice and solutions to our problems. Even if no solution is provided, simply sharing our problems and worries can significantly reduce stress. Nowadays, communication technologies play a crucial role in reducing social isolation. Mobile phones and video calls enable individuals to connect and talk to others, sharing their worries and thoughts. Moreover, in order to get any information, they can use social media apps like Facebook and YouTube. Training elderly individuals to use these technologies is an effective way to reduce social isolation among them.

Efforts to improve the lives of elderly individuals often give little attention to their mental health. Mental health of elderly individuals in poor countries is a significantly overlooked topic, both in terms of policy and research (Banerjee et al., 2022). To address this gap, we need to raise awareness about the mental health challenges faced by these vulnerable members of society. More research and policy implementation are necessary to tackle issues of mental health and social isolation among the elderly. It is also important for us to spend quality time with our elders, as their life experiences can provide valuable insights and help them better understand their lives. Moreover, the time we spend with elderly individuals is productive, aiding us in solving problems and gaining knowledge.

To reduce social isolation among elderly individuals, it is essential to engage them in meaningful and productive activities. Activities such as gardening, reading newspapers, and pursuing hobbies can help divert their stressful thoughts and prevent overthinking. Increasing their social connections and support is crucial. This can be achieved by involving them in community programs, volunteering activities, and teaching them to use technology-based solutions like video calls and social media platforms such as Zoom and Facebook. Interacting with the younger generation, who can benefit from the life skills and experiences of the elderly, is also beneficial for both age groups. Encouraging regular visits from family and friends and involving them in religious or spiritual activities can further reduce stress and overthinking. Additionally, improving old age homes by providing more supportive and empathetic staff, enhancing the quality of care, promoting physical and mental health, and engaging them in social activities can significantly enhance social connections and overall well-being.

References

Banerjee, A., Duflo, E., Grela, E., McKelway, M., Schilbach, F., Sharma, G., & Vaidyanathan, G. (2022). Depression and Loneliness Among the Elderly Poor (No. w30330). National Bureau of Economic Research.

Choi, H., Irwin, M. R., & Cho, H. J. (2015). Impact of social isolation on behavioral health in elderly: Systematic review. World journal of psychiatry, 5(4), 432.

National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2020. Social Isolation and Loneliness in Older Adults: Opportunities for the Health Care System. 

Alzheimer’s disease and health aging. Loneliness and Social Isolation Linked to Serious Health Conditions, 2021. (Alzheimer’s disease and health aging, 2021)