Personal, marital and social support factors as the correlates of social isolation among the aged

Abstract

Research findings indicate that social support is a human necessity. People who are socially isolated without meaningful relationship are at increased risk for physical deterioration, mental illness and even death. Some for instance, have found that older individuals who are very lonely are at an increased risk of nursing home placement. That is why it is important to investigate social isolation among aged. Victor et al. (1999) revealed that social integration and good social networks are important factors for'successful ageing'. Consequently, identification of the factors that promote integration and participation offer a relevant and important approach to improving quality of life for older people. It can provide social companionship, instrumental aid, as well as emotional comfort to the elderly; helping to release pressure, to reduce depressive feelings, and to buffer the harmful effects of stressful life events on health (Silverman et al., 2000). Surendra et al. (2003) reported the impact of changing socio-economic and psychological status of the aged, aging and society. Their study indicated that elderly face health and economic problems, which affect their mental health and well-being.Sandhu et al. (2004) investigated the well-being of elderly in changing times. They founded that the changing times had a positive impact on the physical well being with increase in loneliness, alienation, mental insecurity, sadness, depression and lack of moral support from children. Chan and Rauce (2005) found that the supportive relationships within social networks are essential for enhancing life quality and ensuring happy in later life.Lakshminarayanan and Prithvikashini (2005) attempted to assess the relationship between adjustment and loneliness among the elderly. Results indicate that elders who suffer from health and financial problems feel lonelier.Mao and Pamei (2005) investigated family relationship and social condition of the elderly and reported that earlier the elderly had both family and community support because of joint family ties. But with the loosening of the joint family ties and increased occupational differentiation and spatial mobility resulting from modem technology, it was felt that the elderly were being isolated both from family and community interactions.Miller and Stephen (1965) has pointed out that the loss of occupational identity and the associated feeling of inadequacy leads to low morale, decreased level of satisfaction, embarrassment, feeling of inferiority in social interaction and poor health. Neighbours and friends rarely provide the same feelings of security as old ones (Khalish, 1975).Prasad (1991) investigated the problems of aged in India and reported that they have arisen due to breakdown of traditional social network and changing value system. As individual get older they have less control over their social relationships, including the ability to maintain contact with friends. Moreover relocation of the elderly to institution results in a disruption of existing social networks (Chaddha et al., 1993). Bajpai (1998) investigated that the elderly people are encountering both physical and psychological distancing in families. They feel isolated and side tracked. These changes at the family level and unhealthy approaches sometimes hurt them and encourage them to relocate themselves in old age homes. Sometimes their family members forced them to shift to old age homes.Ramamurthi and Jamuna (1993) observed that self-acceptance of aging changes, self-perception of health and satisfaction, with marital and familiar relations are some of the factors that predict life satisfaction among the elderly and also explain the phenomenon of loneliness. Elison and George (1994) investigated that the religious participation is positively associated with both the quantity and the quality of social relationships. Turner and Mario (1994) found that social networking plays an essential role in health and wellbeing in later life. …