More on social isolation

While there are many things that can put us at risk to become socially isolated, there are also other things that can help to ensure that we remain socially engaged. Protective factors, traits, situations or circumstances like these can help us to socially integrate and reduce the risks of social isolation:

Ø    being in good physical and mental health;

Ø    having enough income and safe housing;

Ø    feeling safe in our neighbourhood;

Ø    having communication and literacy skills to find and get needed services;

Ø    having satisfying relationships;

Ø    having a supportive social network;

Ø    feeling connected to and valued by others;

Ø    having access to health and community services;

Ø    feeling beneficial to society;

Ø    having access to transportation; and

Ø    having a higher level of education

Social isolation can put seniors at greater risk of death than factors such as obesity and physical inactivity. One study found evidence that shows that lacking social connections can increase one’s chances for early death to a similar degree to smoking cigarettes a day

Along with the personal effects of social isolation come significant costs to society. For example, socially isolated seniors are not able to fully participate in or contribute to their communities by volunteering or supporting local businesses and events. The adverse effects of social isolation can lead to increased costs in health care and social services.

Seniors who are socially isolated, compared to those who are not, make more visits to their doctor and to emergency rooms; they use more medication; fall more often, and enter residential care sooner. Some socially isolated seniors may, however, hold back from using health care services or use them in later stages of illness or disability.

Whether social isolation results in increased or delayed use of health care (i.e. until health worsens), it is harmful to the health care system and to the seniors involved.

Social isolation is also linked to undervaluing seniors in our society—negative images of seniors make them feel not needed, valued or able to contribute. People, organizations and society all suffer when seniors become socially isolated and stop contributing to their communities.

Given the opportunities and challenges accompanying Canada’s changing demographics, now is the time to address this issue. Individuals and organizations can work with each other and with seniors to create resources and solutions to improve seniors’ social inclusion. The risks of social isolation are:

Ø increase the chance of premature death

Ø a lower sense of well-being

Ø more depression

Ø dementia

Ø more disability from chronic diseases

Ø poor mental health

Ø increased use of health and support services

Ø reduced quality of life

Ø caregiver burden

Ø poor general health

Ø increased number of falls

Ø inability to participate in and contribute to the community