Preventing social isolation in later life: findings and insights from a pilot Queensland intervention study

2012 ◽  
Vol 33 (7) ◽  
pp. 1167-1189 ◽  
Author(s):  
HELEN BARTLETT ◽  
JENI WARBURTON ◽  
CHI-WAI LUI ◽  
LINDA PEACH ◽  
MATTHEW CARROLL
Keyword(s):  
Older People ◽  
Social Isolation ◽  
Later Life ◽  
Western Society ◽  
Community Based Interventions ◽  
Community Based ◽  
Rigorous Evaluation ◽  
Psychological Measures ◽  
Social Settings ◽  
Government Project

ABSTRACTThe isolation of older people is recognised as a major social problem in contemporary Western society. While the risk factors and social or health outcomes of isolation and loneliness in later life are well documented, evidence regarding the effectiveness of programmes aimed at reducing social isolation in older people remains inconclusive. This paper reports on the challenges of attempting to undertake a rigorous evaluation of three demonstration pilot projects targeting older people at risk of social isolation, conducted within different social settings in Queensland, Australia. The demonstration projects were part of the Queensland Cross-Government Project to Reduce Social Isolation in Older People (CGPRSIOP) led by the Office for Seniors within the Queensland Department of Communities. In the absence of good evaluation of programmes aimed at social isolation, this government-run programme incorporated validated psychological measures to evaluate the effectiveness of interventions. While use of these measures suggested some promising results, the focus of this paper is on the methodological and practical challenges associated with utilising evaluation measures in community-based interventions. The detailed consideration of the methodological issues involved in this programme highlights some key lessons and offers new insights into evaluating interventions for reducing social isolation.

Understanding and alleviating loneliness in later life: perspectives of older people

2016 ◽  
Vol 17 (3) ◽  
pp. 168-178 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mary Pat Sullivan ◽  
Christina Rita Victor ◽  
Michael Thomas
Keyword(s):  
Older People ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Later Life ◽  
Qualitative Interview ◽  
Empirical Literature ◽  
Community Based Interventions ◽  
Community Based ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Internal And External Factors ◽  
External Intervention

Purpose There is extensive empirical literature that has sought to establish the prevalence of, and risk factors for, loneliness and social isolation in later life. Traditional empirical gerontological approaches have characterised loneliness as a linear experience that is both pathological and easily relieved with external intervention. The purpose of this paper is to explore the potential of qualitative interview data to reveal the possible complexities in understanding loneliness, including conceptual considerations for the dynamic and multi-dimensional aspects of loneliness. Design/methodology/approach The authors draw on two different studies where the purpose was to qualitatively examine the meaning of loneliness in the lives of older people and how they understood loneliness in the context of their daily life (n=37). Findings Interviews with “lonely” older people revealed that loneliness is a complex and dynamic experience. The authors also identified a range of internal and external factors that contribute to vulnerability for loneliness as well as resources to alleviate it. Originality/value The dynamic and multi-dimensional characteristics of loneliness in older people may help explain why community-based interventions to diminish it may be so challenging.

Understanding diversity in later life and a new culture of aging: Sociology of aging in Japan

2021 ◽  
pp. 026858092110053
Author(s):  
Daisuke Watanabe
Keyword(s):  
Social Science ◽  
Older People ◽  
Social Isolation ◽  
Social Problems ◽  
Family Care ◽  
Later Life ◽  
Social Disparities ◽  
Mutual Aid ◽  
Care Problems ◽  
Sociological Studies

This essay introduces sociological studies on aging and related topics in Japan since 2000. It argues the three following points. First, the results of sociological studies on aging, and those from related social science disciplines, have moved away from a uniform understanding of aging to reveal greater diversity in the process. Second, it has become apparent that older people face various social problems, such as social isolation, social disparities, and family care problems. Studies have argued that it is essential to support mutual aid in the community. Finally, the reflexivity of high modernity attempts to push the problem of aging towards autonomy, but a new culture of aging assumes that dependence has the potential to overcome this reflexivity.

scholarly journals Ageing and vulnerable elderly people: European perspectives

2006 ◽  
Vol 26 (1) ◽  
pp. 105-134 ◽  
Author(s):  
EMILY GRUNDY
Keyword(s):  
Older People ◽  
Evaluation Studies ◽  
Later Life ◽  
Poor Quality ◽  
Psychological Help ◽  
Rigorous Evaluation ◽  
Support Policy ◽  
Vulnerable Elderly

This paper considers the processes and circumstances that create vulnerability among older people, specifically to a very poor quality of life or an untimely or degrading death. Models of ageing processes are used to define vulnerable older people as those whose reserve capacity falls below the threshold needed to cope successfully with the challenges they face. Compensatory supports may intervene to mitigate the effects of challenges and to rebuild reserve. The dimensions of reserve, challenges and compensation are discussed, with emphasis on demographic and other influences on the availability of family and social support. Policy initiatives to reduce vulnerability can focus on each part of the dynamic process that creates vulnerability, namely, ensuring that people reach later life with ‘reserve’, reducing the challenges they face in later life, and providing adequate compensatory supports. The promotion through the lifecourse of healthy lifestyles and the acquisition of coping skills, strong family and social ties, active interests, and savings and assets, will develop reserves and ensure that they are strong in later life. Some of the physical and psychological challenges that people may face as they age cannot be modified, but others can. Interventions to develop compensatory supports include access to good acute care and rehabilitation when needed, substitute professional social and psychological help in times of crisis, long-term help and income support. Our knowledge of which interventions are most effective is however limited by the paucity of rigorous evaluation studies.

scholarly journals The Effect of Music Therapy on Cognitive Functioning Among Older Adults

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 784-784
Author(s):  
Kuei-Min Chen
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Social Interaction ◽  
Older People ◽  
Music Therapy ◽  
Cognitive Functioning ◽  
Brain Health ◽  
Community Based Interventions ◽  
Community Based ◽  
Therapy Interventions ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Music creates and fosters connection and interrelationships between individuals and encourages social interaction. Indeed, community-based interventions are a powerful way to engage older people. This presentation will provide an overview of music therapy and the impact it can have on the cognitive functioning of older people. Examples of music therapy interventions in the community can be found in nursing homes, hospitals, or communities. Differences in receptive (passive) music therapy and active music therapy will be discussed along with the impact these therapies may have on individuals experiencing cognitive decline. Moreover, studies of music therapy combined with other activities, such as exercise or art will be discussed. This research will be presented within the context of the recommendations put forth by the Global Council on Brain Health aimed at adults aged 50+.

Community-based interventions to promote management for older people: an integrative review

2013 ◽  
Vol 23 (15-16) ◽  
pp. 2110-2120 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sakuntala Anuruang ◽  
Louise D Hickman ◽  
Debra Jackson ◽  
Tessa Dharmendra ◽  
Jane Van Balen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older People ◽  
Integrative Review ◽  
Community Based Interventions ◽  
Community Based

scholarly journals There Is No Community Here: Living Alone, Place, and Older Peoples' Risk of Social Isolation

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 122-123
Author(s):  
Rachel Weldrick
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Older People ◽  
Social Exclusion ◽  
Social Isolation ◽  
Significant Risk ◽  
Later Life ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Living Alone ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Diverse Range

Abstract Existing research has identified significant risk factors for experiencing social isolation in later life including chronic health conditions, mobility impairments, and living alone among others. Although many older people who live alone maintain active social lives, living alone remains a top predictor of social isolation. Less is known about other types of risk factors, such as place-based risks and social exclusion. Despite calls to examine the role of place and social exclusion in social isolation risk, few studies have investigated the links. Models of isolation risk have often omitted place-based factors and social exclusion and focused largely on individual-level risks. In order to address these gaps, this paper presents the findings of 17 in-depth, qualitative interviews with community-dwelling older people who live alone (aged 65-93). Participants were recruited using a theoretical sampling strategy to ensure that a diverse range of neighbourhood types were represented among the participants (e.g., walkable vs. car-dependent neighbourhoods). Interview transcripts were analyzed using a constructivist grounded approach resulting in several major themes. Participants described aspects of their local environments as shaping their risk of isolation including infrastructure and amenities delivered in place, and neighbourhood makeup, among others. These themes are further examined through the lens of place-based exclusion and used to conceptualize how dimensions of both place and social exclusion fit into the model of known isolation risk factors. An adapted model of risk is presented to guide future research and intervention planning.

scholarly journals A MIXED METHODS SYSTEMATIC REVIEW OF COMMUNITY-BASED GROUPS FOR SOCIAL ISOLATION AND LONELINESS IN OLDER PEOPLE

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S856-S856
Author(s):  
Brenda A Hayanga ◽  
Dylan Kneale ◽  
Ann Phoenix
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Mixed Methods ◽  
Older People ◽  
Life Course ◽  
Ethnic Groups ◽  
Social Isolation ◽  
Friendship Networks ◽  
Community Based ◽  
Course Experiences ◽  
The Uk

Abstract In the UK, many older people from minoritised ethnic groups are vulnerable to social isolation and loneliness. Yet, we know little about which interventions are effective for them. With existing systematic reviews of social isolation and loneliness lacking a theory-based framework of their life-course experiences, we set out to address this gap. This review aims to explore the effectiveness and suitability of community-based group interventions (CBGIs) for social isolation and loneliness in older people. The decision to focus on CBGIs was based on findings from an exploratory study of the friendship networks of older people and narrative interviews with older minoritised people living in the UK. The findings suggested that community groups of shared interests/backgrounds were protective of social isolation and loneliness. To address the objectives, we searched for randomised controlled trials and process evaluations of CBGIs published in English, which included older people living in countries with membership to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development. We identified 4791 studies, 36 of which were eligible for inclusion. In this poster, we present the preliminary findings of this mixed-methods systematic review, which seeks to not only assess whether CBGIs are effective but also to understand the underlying processes that make interventions (in)effective. As this review is guided by findings from two exploratory studies with older people from minoritised ethnic groups, it takes into account their life-course experiences. It is the results of reviews such as this that can produce generalisable findings which are directly applicable to policy.

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