Preventing Social Isolation in Older People

Cotterell, Natalie and Buffel, Tine and Phillipson, Chris (2018) Preventing Social Isolation in Older People. Maturitas, 113. pp. 80-84. ISSN 0378-5122

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Abstract

The extent of social isolation amongst older people has emerged as a major concern for health and social policy. Although the social and health outcomes of social isolation are well documented, evidence regarding the prevention of isolation in later life remains scarce. This article addresses this by presenting the findings from a literature review focusing on the identification, assessment, prevention, and intervention strategies relevant to social isolation in older age. The paper first addresses the issues of identification and assessment, using an ecological framework to identify the risk factors for social isolation at four levels: individual, relationship, community, and societal. It then reviews different types of interventions to reduce or prevent social isolation in later life, including one-to-one, group, service provision, technology-based, neighbourhood, and structural interventions. The paper discusses both the opportunities and the constraints associated with these different approaches. The discussion highlights future directions for research, emphasising the need for a cultural change from ‘cure’ to ‘prevention’ of social isolation across the life-course, and the importance of acknowledging greater diversity within the ageing population.

Item Type:
Journal Article
Journal or Publication Title:
Maturitas
Uncontrolled Keywords:
/dk/atira/pure/subjectarea/asjc/1300/1300
Subjects:
?? general biochemistry,genetics and molecular biologyobstetrics and gynaecologybiochemistry, genetics and molecular biology(all) ??
ID Code:
193093
Deposited By:
Deposited On:
10 May 2023 15:50
Refereed?:
Yes
Published?:
Published
Last Modified:
16 Jul 2024 12:02