The Risks with Social Isolation among Older Adults in the U.S.

By: Angi McElfresh, RN, BHSA – Owner of www.AskaNurseNow.info

Every individual longs to have a social connection with another individual. This article examines the aging population in the U.S. and the social isolation they face. In 2009, it projected that the number of elderly, aged 65 and over is to be around 516 million here in the U.S. (U.S. Census Bureau, 2010). The Commonwealth Fund Commission, reports that one-third of the elderly live alone (Gusmano & Rodwin, 2006). Elderly individuals who live alone are invisible to their communities. They can be homebound and not seen out in their communities, therefore, the degree of barriers older individuals face are commonly unknown.

This population is at higher risk of social isolation due to a variety of reasons. Isolation can be from decreased mobility (inability to drive or tolerate walking for long periods), hearing impairments, health problems, death of a spouse or lack of connecting to resources that allows them to participate in socializing activities. Social isolation plays a large role in the decline of an elderly person’s health. Studies show, that social isolation negatively influences the elderly, by putting them at higher risk for developing depression and performing their activities of daily living (George PhD, Bosworth PhD, Steffens MD, Flint PhD, & Hays R.N, 2001). Activities of daily living is defined as: the ability to care for one’s own self, such as dressing, preparing food and caring for their home.

Doctor offices commonly treat and see the elderly population on a regular basis, but fail to recognize this problem & address it. This can be due to a lack of knowledge of resources that can address the isolation or that the elderly individual fails to report this to their physician. Social isolation can lead to feelings of purposelessness & a loss of identity in all ages, but especially in older adults (Smith, 2010). Connecting these individuals to others is vital, but the number of resources is small. It is important for older individuals to feel they make a contribution, either by participating in an event, relating stories and experiences or socially interacting with others. Programs and organizations that promote social interaction among seniors is an integral aspect of successful aging, which promotes life satisfaction and improved quality of life (Stevens-Ratchford, 2008). Many studies show that older adults who remain socially connected, report a greater life satisfaction and enjoy an overall higher quality of life then those who lack social connections (Stevens-Ratchford, 2008).

A website that promotes the formation of inter-generational relationships between the older populations to younger families, who lack this, is www.surrogategrandparenting.com. This free resource matches older adults to younger families who lack grandparent-like roles in their lives. Please visit www.surrogategrandparenting.com for more information.

In addition, another free resource is www.AskaNurseNow.info will connect an elderly individual to resources located in their community that will promote their health and address barriers they face, by experienced Registered Nurses.