Social Isolation Among The Elderly

The process of aging introduces many changes and challenges to one’s life. The elderly experience the ill effects of different mental stresses, financial crises, physical problems and multiple losses which can often be followed by depression and suicide ideation (Bailey, Patel, Avenido, Patel, & Jaleel, 2011). A very common problem many aging people experience is social isolation. Social isolation, being separated of disconnected from other people in society is particularly common for many elderly people, especially those living alone who have very limited interaction with others or have a lack of close family ties (Casiano, Katz, Globerman, & Sareen, 2013). With aging many people also lose connections with friends, especially when friends

This sense of isolation can have a significant effect on the wellbeing and mood of an elderly person and if left unrecognised and unsupported, these symptoms can potentially lead to crippling mental health conditions such as anxiety disorders and depression (Pachana & Laidlaw, 2014). As numerous studies have shown, the majority of elderly people that commit suicide have a mental disorder at the time of their death, usually severe depression (Bailey, Patel, Avenido, Patel, & Jaleel, 2011). Suicide attempts have also been found to be more lethal in older adults compared to younger adults. Elderly people are generally more isolated, frailer and more determined in their suicide attempts than younger adults, meaning they have less chance of being found early and are generally successful in their

A study focused on suicide attempts in older adults asked participants the reasons for their attempts (Van Orden, et al., 2015). From the participant’s answers, attributions included psychological problems, reduced functioning and independence, social problems of thwarted belongingness and perceived burdensomeness and a desire to escape pain (Van Orden, et al., 2015). Figures from Australia bureau of statistics 2012 health status showed the occurrence of having a long term health condition rose to 99% for those aged over 55 years and also showed that 43% of people aged 75 years or older reported experiencing chronic pain (Australia Bureau of Statistics , 2012). For males aged 75 years or older, the illnesses and diseases they are most likely to suffer from include cancer, diabetes mellitus, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, coronary artery disease and stroke all of which can affect activities of daily life and that persons quality of life (Schreiber & Culpepper, 2016). These figures above are noteworthy as studies have shown that the diagnosis of a physical illness and the desire to escape from pain both contribute to suicidal ideation and behaviour (Government of South Australia,