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Dissertation

Alleviating social isolation and loneliness among olderpeople in Britain: what are the impacts, limitations, andchallenges to the current interventions targeting socialisolation and loneliness?

01 Jan 2015-
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors examined the impacts, limitations, and challenges to the current interventions targeting social isolation and loneliness among older people in Britain and found that those who use current interventions tend to be mostly those who are around 80+.
Abstract: Research suggests that as the number of older people in Britain increases, more of them are living alone and experiencing social isolation and loneliness. It is estimated that around 12% of over 65s feel socially isolated. Social isolation and loneliness is being consistently linked to reduced wellbeing, health and quality of life in older people. Currently a range of interventions are being carried out to alleviate social isolation and loneliness among older people in Britain. This research set out to examine the impacts, limitations, and challenges to the current interventions targeting social isolation and loneliness among older people in Britain. The chosen method used to address the research question was undertaking a literature review. There were a number of findings derived from this research such as: current one-to-one interventions may have value to older people; and there are limitations and challenges to current one-to-one interventions. One key finding was that it appears significantly more women than men use current one-to-one interventions targeting social isolation and loneliness among older people. Another finding was that those who use current interventions tend to be mostly those who are around 80+.
Citations
More filters
Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: This article explored from older adults' perspectives what influences their participation in the community activities offered by NORC Programs, as well as the meaning of the social contact that such participation affords.
Abstract: Naturally Occurring Retirement Community Supportive Service Programs (NORC Programs) constitute a national model in the United States of America that aims to benefit older adults ageing in place in their own homes and communities. One central aspect of NORC Programs is the provision of community activities to facilitate older adults’ connections with others. Guided by ecological systems theory, we explored from older adults’ perspectives what influences their participation in the community activities offered by NORC Programs, as well as the meaning of the social contact that such participation affords. We used data from an in-depth interview study with 41 older residents across seven NORC Program sites in the greater New York City area. Themes regarding influences on participation included individual circumstances (personal desire for social activity and health status), programmatic factors (relationships with staff and appeal of the activities) and community contexts (appeal of the other attendees). Perceptions of other attendees also emerged as an influence on the social effects of participation, which ranged from experiencing social contact alone to creating independent friendships. Overall, findings indicate that programme features combine with individual and community contexts to influence diverse experiences of community activities. In addition to implications for organisational practice, we interpret the results in terms of directions for future research regarding how community-based organisations can influence social integration in later life.

28 citations


Cites background or result from "Alleviating social isolation and lo..."

  • ...…is congruent with prior qualitative studies, which have found increased social connection alone—regardless of other social-relational outcomes, such as new friendships—as a cited benefit of participating in formally organised community activities (Cattan et al. 2003; Hemingway and Jack 2013)....

    [...]

  • ...This finding is consistent with prior research on community activities (Ashida and Heaney 2008; Cattan et al. 2003; Hemingway and Jack 2013) and the utilisation of other types of services (e....

    [...]

  • ...formally organised community activities (Cattan et al. 2003; Hemingway and Jack 2013)....

    [...]

  • ...This finding is consistent with prior research on community activities (Ashida and Heaney 2008; Cattan et al. 2003; Hemingway and Jack 2013) and the utilisation of other types of services (e.g., Reid and Chappell 2015), which have similarly indicated the confluence of multiple factors in…...

    [...]

  • ...Therefore, costs and waiting lists might be more of a factor influencing people’s participation in other programme models with different fee structures (Cattan et al. 2003; Hemingway and Jack 2013)....

    [...]

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: It is found that the size of the social network constituted the critical factor in the association between ICT use and social participation, and social isolation mediates the relationship between the ICTUse and socialparticipation.
Abstract: Researchers have identified social participation for the elderly as a salient activity that benefits their wellbeing. Along that vein, prior studies have reported that ICT use increases the extent to which the elderly participate socially with one another. However, the literature remains silent on the mechanisms by which ICT use leads to social participation. In this paper, we draw on two prominent IS theories, actor-network theory (ANT) and activity theory (AT), to develop a conceptual framework by incorporating four social participation-oriented factors: ICT use, social participation, social isolation, and loneliness. We used a quantitative approach based on the cross-sectional survey to collect data from 240 elderly people. We analyzed the data using structural equation modeling based on SmartPLS 3.0. We found that the size of the social network constituted the critical factor in the association between ICT use and social participation. The outcome of the model suggests that ICT use does not impact the social participation directly. Rather, social isolation (absence of social network) mediates the relationship between the ICT use and social participation. Additionally, loneliness, one of the commonly observed psychological states in the elderly, weakens the influence of ICT use on social isolation. Our research advances our theoretical understanding about social participation among seniors and helps governments and businesses prepare ICT plans for the elderly appropriately.

15 citations

28 Jul 2016
TL;DR: In this article, Sharma et al. proposed a hybrid approach Social Innovation for Active Ageing (SIFAA) based on the Activity Theory of Ageing to support older adults in remaining active beyond middle age by finding replacements for lost roles.
Abstract: Age-related loneliness is a major social issue as it is increasing alongside an upward global population trend which predicts that nearly 22% of the world population will be aged 60 years or over by 2050 (Rutherford, 2012). This ‘silver tsunami’ (Cacioppo and Patrick, 2008) represents an unprecedented growth of the elderly population and is likely to exert socioeconomic pressures globally in the form of healthcare needs etc. (Dychtwald and Flower, 1989, O'Connor, 2014). Recent surveys conducted in many parts of the world such as the USA, the UK and Japan etc. reveal this plight of the elderly as many older people report feeling lonely ‘often’ (Hawkley and Cacioppo, 2007, Marsh, 2014, Kim et al., 2009). The examination of current methods and techniques aimed at combating age-related loneliness in order to recognize any ‘patterns’ (Alexander et al., 1977) reveals that the current thinking around developing such interventions predominantly adopts an incremental approach (Sharma et al., 2015). Sharma et al. highlight a gap in knowledge exemplified by the lack of radical-digital interventions, and suggest that more experimentation is required in this area to understand the strengths, or more to the point the limitations of radical-digital interventions (2015). In this paper, we recognise that the Activity Theory of Ageing (ATA) (Havighurst, 1961) provides a good foundation for developing effective radical-digital strategies for tackling loneliness amongst older adults and we highlight its potential and restraints in this area. The application of ATA looks to encourage or support older adults in remaining active beyond middle age by finding replacements for ‘lost roles’ and social positions (Diggs, 2007). Because ATA is fundamentally fixated on the individual as a unit of analysis, its desired ‘social’ applicability is naturally then, restricted. We propose that the social restraints of ATA can be eased by bringing social innovation into the equation, which by its very nature, focuses on fostering communal environments that are conducive to bottom-up innovation (Manzini and DESIS Network, 2014). We argue that this shift in focus from ‘an individual’ to ‘the society’ can potentially involve previously unengaged stakeholders in innovative and unimagined ways and provide ATA with a means to explore wider contexts. We examine both these theoretical frameworks to discuss how a hybridisation of ATA and Social Innovation can allow for a significant movement away from the dominant incremental approach to developing loneliness interventions. We call this hybrid approach Social Innovation for Active Ageing (SIFAA). Having discussed how we developed the SIFAA approach, we discuss the findings from our Action Research project where we developed a radical-digital loneliness intervention for older adults based on SIFAA. Our prototype involves getting older adults in the UK, to speak to young students in India via videoconferencing in order to help the students improve their English-speaking skills. The contributions of our paper are two-fold. Theoretically, we contribute to the extension of ATA’s and Social Innovation's capabilities by combining them together, and on a practical note, we share actionable insights from our operationalising of a SIFAA-based radical-digital loneliness intervention.

12 citations

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors investigate the social processes and effects of participation in two community-oriented choirs in Victoria, BC, and seek to identify the way in which social cohesion is experienced during group singing practices.
Abstract: This research investigates the social processes and effects of participation in two community-oriented choirs in Victoria, BC, and seeks to identify the way in which social cohesion is experienced during group singing practices. Interviews with ten choristers and two conductors reveal the feelings of community that can arise among participants and provide data for exploring how this phenomenon occurs. Results indicate that social bonding in the choral setting manifests itself in various ways. The key factors of a common goal, shared values, a safe environment, community interaction, and social infrastructure facilitate feelings of collective participation, lead to increased levels of trust, equality, connection, and mutual caring. Participant exceptions also emerge, evidence of the group’s heterogeneous approach to sociality. Analysis of both the processes and outcomes indicates that this example of social interconnection is consistent with Victor Turner’s anthropological definition of communitas, or intense communal bonding.

11 citations

Dissertation
28 Apr 2019
TL;DR: The authors in this paper explored how community dwelling older people who self-identify as lonely describe their experiences of loneliness, their views on involving others, including community resources, and how they respond to loneliness themselves.
Abstract: Background Loneliness is a subjective experience; an emotional and unpleasant response to a lack of satisfactory companionship. In Western society, some consider this a major public health problem, however the evidence for effective interventions remains inconclusive. Loneliness can be socially stigmatised, and many people do not seek help. This research explores how community dwelling older people who self-identify as lonely describe their experiences of loneliness, their views on involving others, including community resources, and how they respond to loneliness themselves. Methods 1. Systematic review and narrative synthesis of qualitative studies reporting strategies employed by older people to manage their loneliness, with model development. 2. Qualitative study comprising 28 in-depth interviews with older people in England who identified as lonely using two different loneliness measures. Data were collected between 2013-2014 and analysed thematically. Findings The review identified 11 studies. Strategies can be described by a model with two overarching and overlapping dimensions, one related to the context of coping (alone or with others), the other related to strategy type (prevention/action or acceptance/endurance of loneliness). The circumstances and context of loneliness experiences were wide-ranging and loneliness was often inseparable from other distressing events. Although generally knowledgeable about local resources, most did not consider these desirable or helpful. For many, loneliness was a private matter to be managed without external support. Multiple strategies, developed over time and shaped by individual coping styles and contexts, were used. They included managing thoughts, feelings, and behaviours privately, within an ‘inside world’, or actively engaging with other people or places, in an ‘outside world’. Conclusion Older people articulated strategies they used to deal with distressing feelings and can be regarded as active agents in managing their loneliness. Understanding individual definitions of loneliness, coping styles and contexts are key to identifying acceptable and meaningful support.

6 citations


Cites background from "Alleviating social isolation and lo..."

  • ...A common aspect of routines was going outdoors regularly and this was carried out both alone (for example Roos and Klopper, 2010; Lou and Ng, 2012) as well as with the hope of initiating chance encounters or exchanges with others (Lou and Ng, 2012; Cattan et al., 2003; Sullivan et al., 2016)....

    [...]

  • ...Most views on such interventions are from those already engaged with services (for example, Cattan et al., 2003; Lester et al., 2012)....

    [...]

References
More filters
Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: This article explored from older adults' perspectives what influences their participation in the community activities offered by NORC Programs, as well as the meaning of the social contact that such participation affords.
Abstract: Naturally Occurring Retirement Community Supportive Service Programs (NORC Programs) constitute a national model in the United States of America that aims to benefit older adults ageing in place in their own homes and communities. One central aspect of NORC Programs is the provision of community activities to facilitate older adults’ connections with others. Guided by ecological systems theory, we explored from older adults’ perspectives what influences their participation in the community activities offered by NORC Programs, as well as the meaning of the social contact that such participation affords. We used data from an in-depth interview study with 41 older residents across seven NORC Program sites in the greater New York City area. Themes regarding influences on participation included individual circumstances (personal desire for social activity and health status), programmatic factors (relationships with staff and appeal of the activities) and community contexts (appeal of the other attendees). Perceptions of other attendees also emerged as an influence on the social effects of participation, which ranged from experiencing social contact alone to creating independent friendships. Overall, findings indicate that programme features combine with individual and community contexts to influence diverse experiences of community activities. In addition to implications for organisational practice, we interpret the results in terms of directions for future research regarding how community-based organisations can influence social integration in later life.

28 citations

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: It is found that the size of the social network constituted the critical factor in the association between ICT use and social participation, and social isolation mediates the relationship between the ICTUse and socialparticipation.
Abstract: Researchers have identified social participation for the elderly as a salient activity that benefits their wellbeing. Along that vein, prior studies have reported that ICT use increases the extent to which the elderly participate socially with one another. However, the literature remains silent on the mechanisms by which ICT use leads to social participation. In this paper, we draw on two prominent IS theories, actor-network theory (ANT) and activity theory (AT), to develop a conceptual framework by incorporating four social participation-oriented factors: ICT use, social participation, social isolation, and loneliness. We used a quantitative approach based on the cross-sectional survey to collect data from 240 elderly people. We analyzed the data using structural equation modeling based on SmartPLS 3.0. We found that the size of the social network constituted the critical factor in the association between ICT use and social participation. The outcome of the model suggests that ICT use does not impact the social participation directly. Rather, social isolation (absence of social network) mediates the relationship between the ICT use and social participation. Additionally, loneliness, one of the commonly observed psychological states in the elderly, weakens the influence of ICT use on social isolation. Our research advances our theoretical understanding about social participation among seniors and helps governments and businesses prepare ICT plans for the elderly appropriately.

15 citations

28 Jul 2016
TL;DR: In this article, Sharma et al. proposed a hybrid approach Social Innovation for Active Ageing (SIFAA) based on the Activity Theory of Ageing to support older adults in remaining active beyond middle age by finding replacements for lost roles.
Abstract: Age-related loneliness is a major social issue as it is increasing alongside an upward global population trend which predicts that nearly 22% of the world population will be aged 60 years or over by 2050 (Rutherford, 2012). This ‘silver tsunami’ (Cacioppo and Patrick, 2008) represents an unprecedented growth of the elderly population and is likely to exert socioeconomic pressures globally in the form of healthcare needs etc. (Dychtwald and Flower, 1989, O'Connor, 2014). Recent surveys conducted in many parts of the world such as the USA, the UK and Japan etc. reveal this plight of the elderly as many older people report feeling lonely ‘often’ (Hawkley and Cacioppo, 2007, Marsh, 2014, Kim et al., 2009). The examination of current methods and techniques aimed at combating age-related loneliness in order to recognize any ‘patterns’ (Alexander et al., 1977) reveals that the current thinking around developing such interventions predominantly adopts an incremental approach (Sharma et al., 2015). Sharma et al. highlight a gap in knowledge exemplified by the lack of radical-digital interventions, and suggest that more experimentation is required in this area to understand the strengths, or more to the point the limitations of radical-digital interventions (2015). In this paper, we recognise that the Activity Theory of Ageing (ATA) (Havighurst, 1961) provides a good foundation for developing effective radical-digital strategies for tackling loneliness amongst older adults and we highlight its potential and restraints in this area. The application of ATA looks to encourage or support older adults in remaining active beyond middle age by finding replacements for ‘lost roles’ and social positions (Diggs, 2007). Because ATA is fundamentally fixated on the individual as a unit of analysis, its desired ‘social’ applicability is naturally then, restricted. We propose that the social restraints of ATA can be eased by bringing social innovation into the equation, which by its very nature, focuses on fostering communal environments that are conducive to bottom-up innovation (Manzini and DESIS Network, 2014). We argue that this shift in focus from ‘an individual’ to ‘the society’ can potentially involve previously unengaged stakeholders in innovative and unimagined ways and provide ATA with a means to explore wider contexts. We examine both these theoretical frameworks to discuss how a hybridisation of ATA and Social Innovation can allow for a significant movement away from the dominant incremental approach to developing loneliness interventions. We call this hybrid approach Social Innovation for Active Ageing (SIFAA). Having discussed how we developed the SIFAA approach, we discuss the findings from our Action Research project where we developed a radical-digital loneliness intervention for older adults based on SIFAA. Our prototype involves getting older adults in the UK, to speak to young students in India via videoconferencing in order to help the students improve their English-speaking skills. The contributions of our paper are two-fold. Theoretically, we contribute to the extension of ATA’s and Social Innovation's capabilities by combining them together, and on a practical note, we share actionable insights from our operationalising of a SIFAA-based radical-digital loneliness intervention.

12 citations

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors investigate the social processes and effects of participation in two community-oriented choirs in Victoria, BC, and seek to identify the way in which social cohesion is experienced during group singing practices.
Abstract: This research investigates the social processes and effects of participation in two community-oriented choirs in Victoria, BC, and seeks to identify the way in which social cohesion is experienced during group singing practices. Interviews with ten choristers and two conductors reveal the feelings of community that can arise among participants and provide data for exploring how this phenomenon occurs. Results indicate that social bonding in the choral setting manifests itself in various ways. The key factors of a common goal, shared values, a safe environment, community interaction, and social infrastructure facilitate feelings of collective participation, lead to increased levels of trust, equality, connection, and mutual caring. Participant exceptions also emerge, evidence of the group’s heterogeneous approach to sociality. Analysis of both the processes and outcomes indicates that this example of social interconnection is consistent with Victor Turner’s anthropological definition of communitas, or intense communal bonding.

11 citations

Dissertation
28 Apr 2019
TL;DR: The authors in this paper explored how community dwelling older people who self-identify as lonely describe their experiences of loneliness, their views on involving others, including community resources, and how they respond to loneliness themselves.
Abstract: Background Loneliness is a subjective experience; an emotional and unpleasant response to a lack of satisfactory companionship. In Western society, some consider this a major public health problem, however the evidence for effective interventions remains inconclusive. Loneliness can be socially stigmatised, and many people do not seek help. This research explores how community dwelling older people who self-identify as lonely describe their experiences of loneliness, their views on involving others, including community resources, and how they respond to loneliness themselves. Methods 1. Systematic review and narrative synthesis of qualitative studies reporting strategies employed by older people to manage their loneliness, with model development. 2. Qualitative study comprising 28 in-depth interviews with older people in England who identified as lonely using two different loneliness measures. Data were collected between 2013-2014 and analysed thematically. Findings The review identified 11 studies. Strategies can be described by a model with two overarching and overlapping dimensions, one related to the context of coping (alone or with others), the other related to strategy type (prevention/action or acceptance/endurance of loneliness). The circumstances and context of loneliness experiences were wide-ranging and loneliness was often inseparable from other distressing events. Although generally knowledgeable about local resources, most did not consider these desirable or helpful. For many, loneliness was a private matter to be managed without external support. Multiple strategies, developed over time and shaped by individual coping styles and contexts, were used. They included managing thoughts, feelings, and behaviours privately, within an ‘inside world’, or actively engaging with other people or places, in an ‘outside world’. Conclusion Older people articulated strategies they used to deal with distressing feelings and can be regarded as active agents in managing their loneliness. Understanding individual definitions of loneliness, coping styles and contexts are key to identifying acceptable and meaningful support.

6 citations