6 Ways to Combat Social Isolation

Humans thrive on being part of communities, interacting with family and friends and having interests outside the home.

Yet, despite the leaps in technology and enhanced avenues for communication, there's a concerning trend of increasing social isolation and loneliness.

Social isolation refers to a lack of meaningful connections with friends, family, and the wider community. Older people living in residential care communities are especially at risk.

Groups at risk of social isolation

Some common groups of people at risk of social isolation include:

• The elderly
• People living with mental illness
• People living with disability
• Refugees
• Ethnic minorities

Research highlights the profound impact of insufficient social connections on individuals' health and well-being. As social beings, our sense of 'belonging' to a network of friends, a religious community, or an extensive extended family is closely associated with increased longevity and improved overall welfare.

Benefits of a Strong Social Network

The positive impact that social interaction can have on health and emotional well-being is well-documented. Some of the documented benefits of regular social interaction include:

• Lower blood pressure
• Lower heart rate
• Increased life expectancy
• Reduced risk of Alzheimer's disease
• Improved cognitive abilities
• Improved physical health
• Reduced risk of mental health issues (depression)

Reasons why People feel Socially Isolated:

Some of the reasons that can make people feel socially isolated include:

• Loss of a partner or friends
• Loss of independence: moving into residential care
• Low self-esteem
• Health factors: poor mobility, chronic illness
• Sensory impairments: vision, hearing
• Financial hardship
• Living with disability
• Inadequate environment: living far away from amenities
• Lack of awareness of what services are available

Social Inclusion in Residential Care

Social inclusion in residential care encompasses proactive measures activity professionals can implement to engage individuals in community participation while respecting their autonomy and individual choices.

It's important to recognize that some residents may seek solitude.These individuals, often referred to as 'loners', may be prevalent in residential care settings.  Encouraging them to participate in programmed activities or leave their rooms can pose challenges for activity professionals. Their wishes should be respected, once depression and other medical diagnosis have been ruled out.

6 Approaches to Social Inclusion in Residential Care

Activity professionals play an important role in helping their clients cope with social isolation. Planning and designing a broad selection of appropriate activities to meet an individual's needs and interests is essential.

Many approaches to social inclusion have been evolving over the years. Each approach involves a multitude of possible interventions to support social inclusion. Here are some examples:

1. Volunteer Visitation Program
Initiating a Volunteer Program is a crucial step for every activity professional. Alternatively, joining a government volunteer agency or a charity group's volunteer network can provide clients with a spectrum of social and emotional support. Volunteers bring valuable experiences and lifelong skills to share, in addition to offering friendship and companionship.

2. Intergenerational Programs
Intergenerational activities unite individuals of various ages to engage in shared activities. These activities should be carefully planned to achieve specific goals and held regularly. Initiating partnerships with local schools, including primary and high schools, is an excellent starting point. Additionally, reaching out to a Playgroup Association to invite infants and their mothers for regular visits can be highly beneficial. Facilitating connections between elders and children proves to be mutually advantageous.

3. Gender-specific Programs
Residential care facilities sometimes exhibit a bias towards female recreational activities, possibly due to the higher number of female residents. However, it's essential to consider whether males are truly uninterested.

Men typically gravitate towards activities like boxing, race cars, action movies, army discussions, home improvement, furniture restoration, and war documentaries – activities that may not typically engage women. Implementing gender-specific activities twice a week can help address this bias, fostering opportunities for male residents to bond with one another and share stories.

4. Health & Fitness
Promoting physical activity among aging individuals is paramount for healthy aging. Suitable exercises for residential care settings include yoga, tai chi, seated exercises, movement to music, stretching, and walks. The extent of physical activity required varies based on age and health level. Regular exercise can mitigate reduced muscle strength, gait issues, and impaired balance commonly associated with aging.

5. Horticultural Program
A horticultural garden program offers an excellent opportunity for reminiscing and fostering friendships. Initiate a garden project in collaboration with residents, involving them in decisions regarding design, location, construction, and garden type. Activity professionals can seek guidance and support from local garden clubs or botanical gardens. Engaging relatives, friends, and volunteers enhances a sense of accomplishment for the entire community.

6. Social Networking Program
Introducing older adults to information technology may seem challenging, but it can be highly rewarding. Making relevant technology more accessible to seniors can be an engaging and fulfilling endeavor. Tools such as email, Skype, and Facebook can bridge distances, bringing families together despite geographical barriers.