Different types of social engagement or support benefit health and quality of life in the elderly population. Physical environments can also shape social experiences that might influence health, and explain to healthcare providers the power of social relationships to benefit health. Older adults often become vulnerable to social isolation simply because they are no longer able to perform typical activities of daily living (ADL’s) they used to. If the elder is used to being at home and being independent, it can be a difficult transition when they must begin considering the choices of going to a nursing home or allowing caregivers into their home to assist them. These changes can affect their self-esteem; some researchers believe that lack of
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To respect her privacy, I will call her “Bonnie”. Bonnie is a retired kindergarten principal and widow who enjoys relatively good health. The death of her husband many years ago and having a handful of close friends still living wears on her mentality. She stays active by playing bridge and volunteering at a soup kitchen. Her two adult children call regularly. Gradually, Bonnie's arthritis prevents her from being able to cook at the soup kitchen. Then, she falls in the shower and breaks her hip. Afterward, Bonnie's children arrange for a nurse to come by the house every day to help her. Now, Bonnie is housebound, and she loses contact with her bridge friends. As her health fails, she only has the energy to visit with family. By the time she dies, Connie's multiple social networks have been whittled down to a few individual …show more content…
For Bonnie, that probably happened after she broke her hip and essentially lost her independence. Once that realization sets in, the elderly will remove themselves both consciously and subconsciously from many social networks. Simultaneously, society distances itself from the elderly, and the roles and authority reserved for the older members of a population are passed along to the younger ones. Drawing from this example, I see why older adults can unintentionally easily remove themselves from society.
What can be done to strengthen the social support system of elderly people who are slowly becoming isolated?
Coping with life changes can be made easier for older adults by finding support through friends and family members. Human beings are social creatures by nature, and we connect with each other by telling stories and sharing experiences. Communities and groups aimed at supporting members through various life transitions—from becoming an empty-nester to dealing with a loved one's death—are good resources for handling these events in a healthy
To respect her privacy, I will call her “Bonnie”. Bonnie is a retired kindergarten principal and widow who enjoys relatively good health. The death of her husband many years ago and having a handful of close friends still living wears on her mentality. She stays active by playing bridge and volunteering at a soup kitchen. Her two adult children call regularly. Gradually, Bonnie's arthritis prevents her from being able to cook at the soup kitchen. Then, she falls in the shower and breaks her hip. Afterward, Bonnie's children arrange for a nurse to come by the house every day to help her. Now, Bonnie is housebound, and she loses contact with her bridge friends. As her health fails, she only has the energy to visit with family. By the time she dies, Connie's multiple social networks have been whittled down to a few individual …show more content…
For Bonnie, that probably happened after she broke her hip and essentially lost her independence. Once that realization sets in, the elderly will remove themselves both consciously and subconsciously from many social networks. Simultaneously, society distances itself from the elderly, and the roles and authority reserved for the older members of a population are passed along to the younger ones. Drawing from this example, I see why older adults can unintentionally easily remove themselves from society.
What can be done to strengthen the social support system of elderly people who are slowly becoming isolated?
Coping with life changes can be made easier for older adults by finding support through friends and family members. Human beings are social creatures by nature, and we connect with each other by telling stories and sharing experiences. Communities and groups aimed at supporting members through various life transitions—from becoming an empty-nester to dealing with a loved one's death—are good resources for handling these events in a healthy