By Sophia Latina,
Social isolation or marginalization of older people, is defined as a lack or weakness of participating in social groups. In our society, worldwide, the establishment and the maintenance of relationships have become even more difficult than in the past, regarding the complexity and the loneliness of individuals. That’s even harder when you face it in terms of a more isolated period, such as life after retirement or the period that you are dealing with the loss of your loved ones. But, what are the reasons behind the extreme isolation of elderly people?
All people, when they reach a certain age and can be called elderly, are bound to be more vulnerable than they used to be in the past, both physically and mentally, according to many factors. Taking into account, that they might have left their workplace recently, they may encounter feelings of depression and severe disconnection with the environment they had been used for decades and that’s very normal. Although they may still be surrounded by people they might feel inactive or disregarded for their sayings. On the whole, elderly people are looking for environments that make them feel loved, heard, and valued in a sense that are being listened to for what they want to message across and share as a product of experience throughout their lives. Speaking with people who have reached a certain age, having spent so many years making and learning from their mistakes, can thoroughly spread their knowledge and simultaneously cherish their moments through a friendly environment. For instance, they can hand down their traditions from the storytelling of their grandchildren. That can be powerful and didactic from a child’s view.
On the other side, elderly people may have chosen on their own, a separate and lonely path or they may have challenges with their health, leading to a lack or disability for communication among their loved ones. Thus, they may feel bored or extremely unable to retain contact with their relatives or to create new friendships. Having not a close-knit connection, family or partner may decrease their ability to remain physically and mentally active and deal with their everyday interactions and obligations. Of course, this doesn’t mean that they have to quit their life course. Rather than feeling resentful and shy they can ask for health if they need to and try to participate in activities that will strengthen their bonds among people of the same age.
Coping with loneliness may be hard to overcome but reaching out for help is the best solution to make for yourself. It’s always positive to look on the bright side of your life and be surrounded by people who support you at every stage of your life.
References
- Elderly Cambridge Dictionary. Available here
