Social Isolation
What is social isolation?
Social isolation is less social contact than an individual wishes.This may lead to increased risk of depression, poor mental health, more disability from chronic illness, and even premature death.
Though anyone can become socially isolated older adults may be at increased risk because of:
- Physical changes (illness, disability)
- Changes in personal lives and social network (loss of spouse and/or friends)
- Low income
- Environmental barriers (such as a lack of transportation
- Multiple changes, close together in the absence of personal or social resources
Who is most at risk?
- People with limited assistance for every day activities (shopping, transportation)
- Those with low emotional support
- People age 80 and older who: live alone, have fewer leisure activities, low support with routine activities
- Men who have low emotional support
- Women who: have low support for routine activities, reduced leisure activities, live alone
The Department of Community Services, Seniors and Labour currently provides funding to the PEI Seniors Citizens Federation for the Friendly Visitor Program (a program intended to reduce social isolation of seniors) and the Young at Heart Theatre Company to stage performances that reach seniors in long term care facilities.
This information has been taken from website "Community Services and Seniors"