2. Social Isolation and Depression in Older Adults 2
The Impact of Social Isolation and the Elder Population
Depression and social isolation are two common overlooked issues within the elder
community, which studies have shown, can lead to an increased risk of developing health and
cognitive impairments. Social isolation is said to be an underlying factor to issues such as
depression, which people often misinterpret as common age related declines. The importance of
being aware and knowing the signs of depression, is important not only to the individual due to
the huge impact it has on a person’s well-being and quality of life, but important to a community
as a whole so that we can help those who may not be able to help themselves.
Depression and social isolation may not only cause health problems, but may even
shorten the lives of the elderly that are suffering from this issue (Castillo, 2013). A longitudinal
study conducted on a group of 6,500 people over the age of 52 showed that a percentage of those
mostly isolated were more likely to die during the study period (Szalavitz, 2013). To combat
some of the health and cognitive effects of social isolation and depression, there is evidence that
shows, social contact can have profound physiological effects (Szalavitz, 2013). In addition,
studies show that lack of affectionate physical contact is associated with higher levels of stress
hormones, and social contact may have specific biological consequences that are vital for
individual health preservation (Szalavitz, 2013).
The importance of an integrative approach in solving social isolation
While there is enough research and findings that show us how to fight against social
isolation, within our own families, the issue we face is the elderly population that are living in
nursing homes, assisted livings, alone in their own home, and those that suffer from dementia.
Findings show how physical contact with our older loved ones can help diminish the effects of
loneliness and isolation, but not every older adult has family. As we age, we experience the loss
of family, friends, and support, which may lead to depression. Depression tends to lead to social
3. Social Isolation and Depression in Older Adults 3
isolation, which in turn, progressively leads to health issues and mortality. An integrative
approach is critical to lower the risks of social isolation in older adults. Not only is there a
psychological approach to understanding why older people may have feelings of depression,
which may lead to isolating themselves, but there is also a biological approach that will help
explain the neurological and physical effects of depression and how to treat it. There is also a
need for a sociological approach and understanding how the stigma of those aged 65 and older
effect the population, and what social policies are in place to protect those as well. Additionally,
we may even use an economical approach to help budget and fund various programs that can be
put in place to extend services to older adults.
Utilizing a Psychological Discipline
We may not be able to completely solve the issue of social isolation in the elderly
community, but the integration of knowledge which identifies and blends information from
relevant disciplines to yield a likely outcome is crucial to such an issue (Repko, 2012, p. 23).
Utilizing a psychological approach in combating the issue of social isolation will help us to
understand the human mind and its functions, especially in dealing with its effect on behaviors.
Studies have shown that depression doesn’t necessarily increase with age, but if an individual
has experienced depression earlier in life, they have a greater chance of dealing with this issue
later in life (Singh & Misra, 2009).
Depression is important in dealing with social isolation because it affects older adults
differently than younger or middle aged people. “Depression is significantly associated with
increased difficulties with activities of daily living” (Singh & Misra, 2009). Additionally,
depression can lead to diminished energy levels, higher rates of insomnia, and memory loss
4. Social Isolation and Depression in Older Adults 4
which all can result in the disengagement of socializing (American Psychological Association,
2015).
A Biological Approach
Biology helps us understand the neurological and health effects depression may have on
an individual which can lead to the decreased desire to socialize which can then lead to other
health issues. Depression is associated with cerebrovascular pathology, inflammation, and
endocrine status (Tiemeier, 2003). Research shows that brain infarcts and cerebral white matter
lesions were more frequent in depressed older adults, and cerebral small vessel disease has been
linked to the cause of depression (Tiemeier, 2003).
With this known information, we can see the effects depression has on the brain, and find
ways to combat this cognitive issue. Potentially, medication can be administered to treat these
disorders, or some type of therapy with a physiatrist or counselor. This is critical in
understanding and problem solving the issue of social isolation which is a result of depression.
As we have learned, both social isolation depression are two potentially detrimental factors that
can have adverse effects on the older population. It is crucial that a person trying to solve this
major issue, utilizes various disciplines to come up with logical solutions. Furthermore,
understanding such a complex issue that our society faces would not be possible by relying
exclusively on a single disciplinary approach (Repko, 2012, p. 23).
5. Social Isolation and Depression in Older Adults 3
References
Castillo, M. (2013, March 26). Social isolation may shorten the lives of seniors. CBS News.
Retrieved from http://www.cbsnews.com/news/social-isolation-may-shorten-the-lives-of-
seniors/.
Repko, A. F. (2012). Interdisciplinary research: process and theory. Thousand Oaks, CA: SAGE
Publications, Inc.
Singh, A., & Misra, N. (2009). Loneliness, depression and sociability in old age. Industrial
Psychiatry Journal, 18(1), 51–55. doi:10.4103/0972-6748.57861.
Szalavitz, M. (2013, March 26). Social isolation, not just feeling lonely, may shorten lives. Time.
Retrieved from http://healthland.time.com/2013/03/26/social-isolation-not-just-feeling-
lonely-may-shorten-lives/.
Tiemeier H. (2003). Biological risk factors for late life depression. US National Library of
Medicine, 18(8):745-50.
