Assignment task:
The issue of social isolation and loneliness is one that impacts most adults as they age partially in part to when their families form their own families and become absent, or when they become widows themselves and lose their emotional bond. The geriatric population that is lonely has a higher rate of depression, and increased risk of developing heart disease (O'Súilleabháin, et al., 2019). Additionally, research has revealed links exist between loneliness and increased infectious diseases, as well as declines in cognitive functioning (Gonder et al., 2022). There are two types of loneliness that the aging adult can be faced with, the first is emotional when they lose their emotional attachment figure such as a spouse and the second is social when they stop engaging in their social network (O'Súilleabháin, et al., 2019).
The legal and ethical implications of elderly social isolation and loneliness are significant, and it is essential to take steps to prevent and address these issues to ensure that the rights and wellbeing of elderly individuals are protected. Elderly individuals who are socially isolated or lonely are at greater risk of neglect and abuse. This may be due to the fact that they have fewer people around to observe their living conditions or report any signs of abuse or neglect. Neglect and abuse may violate the elder's rights, including their right to live with dignity and respect. Social isolation and loneliness can have a negative impact on an elderly person's mental health, leading to depression, anxiety, and other mental health disorders. This can be considered a violation of their right to mental healthcare and support. Elderly individuals who are socially isolated or lonely may be more vulnerable to financial exploitation and abuse. This can include financial frauds, identity theft, or pressure to make gifts or sign over assets to others. Such exploitation is illegal and unethical. Elderly people have the right to social participation, including the ability to engage in cultural, social, and recreational activities. Social isolation and loneliness can limit an elder's ability to participate in these activities. Caregivers and healthcare providers have legal obligations to ensure that elderly people are not subject to neglect, abuse, or exploitation. These obligations include reporting any suspected abuse or neglect to the appropriate authorities.
There have been numerous studies done specifically to assist elderly people from feeling socially isolated and lonely but still maintaining their independence. There has been research to prove that companion animals are a good substitute for human interaction when the individual lives alone (National, 2020). Having something to take care of, being involved in your life and having another living thing around has been shown to improve their psychological health. Some studies have shown that the internet is becoming more prominent in older individual's lives and that it has the opportunity to increase connections and decrease isolation (National, 2020). There is also something to be said about older individuals moving into independent or assisted living facilities. These facilities provide social events, group lunches or dinners, some facilities even go as far as providing transport services so these residents can go grocery shopping together or out on field trips. These facilities provide a whole avenue of social interactions with people around their same age, who may be experiencing the same problems they are but still allowing them their own independence with their own apartments and their own space.
Family and friends also play a role in elderly people's perception of social isolation and loneliness. Studies have shown that people with self-care and mobility issues were more at risk for isolation as well as older men because they tend to have fewer social resources (Chatters et al., 2018). Family and friends might need to be reaching out to the elderly people in their lives independently. Phone calls, emails, text, anyway for them to stay connected would go a long way. From interactions with elderly patients, they find enjoyment in things as little as photographs or grandchildren's schoolwork. It is our responsibility as family and friends to reach out and involve the elderly community in the areas that we can, especially the people who might not be able to go out and get involved themselves, or the people at high risk for isolation such as widowers or elderly men. The reason these interventions are particularly important is because as previously mentioned, loneliness and isolation can cause negative effects on the physical and mental health of aging adults. Additionally, isolation and loneliness has been shown to be linked to decreasing mobility and increased pain for geriatric populations suffering from chronic musculoskeletal pain issues (Gonder et al., 2022).
Our role as clinicians begins with proper encouragement and teaching. Education must be provided to this population to increase physical activity, while evaluating their diets and making modifications, as necessary. These changes could be small, such as ensuring adequate fruits and vegetables are being consumed. Reduction of harmful habits such as smoking and moderate to heavy alcohol use should also be included not only because smoking is detrimental to health and well-being, but also because alcohol can oftentimes contribute to falls. A fall in this patient population could easily contribute to a decrease in mobility, and therefore negatively influence their ability to maintain social interactions with others leading to an increase in loneliness. This further illustrates the importance of participation in physical activity. It is established that all older adults, including those who reside in chronic care facilities, regardless of their multiple morbidities, stand to benefit from physical activity. According to Dipietro et al. (2019), participation in any amount of physical activity will result in some health benefit. These benefits include maintenance of physical function and a reduction of falls, as well as fall-related injuries that can lead to social isolation. Additionally, improving on physical activity will help older adults maintain their independence and quality of life. The American Heart Association provides activity recommendations for older adults over the age of sixty-five. These specific guidelines can be integrated into a strategy for providing patient-centered recommendations as a clinician caring for this patient population. The types of exercises are broken into four categories which include aerobic, muscle strengthening, flexibility, and balance.
Social isolation and loneliness are as real a problem for the elderly population as any medical problem. It can lead to decline in many different facets of their lives and needs to be addressed and managed. There are multitudes of opportunities for us as healthcare workers and as children and grandchildren to make improvements in these areas for the older adults in our lives.
Social isolation/loneliness: respond to above discussion