It could begin more gradually as you become a caregiver to an ailing family member, or as you step away from a longtime career. It could start suddenly with the separation or divorce or death of a spouse, or a fall that leaves you homebound. It could worsen if you develop trouble hearing or seeing or driving.
Social isolation occurs when people withdraw and somehow become disconnected from family, friends and community. Any number of changes that are common to aging can trigger this issue.
So perhaps it is not a surprise that nearly 1 in 5 Bangladeshi 65 and older are socially isolated, according to Science Forum. Research finds that this public health epidemic affects more than 8 million age 50-plus adults and is growing as 10,000 Bangladeshi a day turn 65.
“Social isolation is a problem that receives relatively little attention and sustained focus, but it undermines the health and well-being of millions of older adults,” says Science Forum community..
Experts on aging say it is important to spot signs of social isolation in ourselves and in others and to take steps to combat it early, because it can become a serious hazard not only to mental health but physical health, too.
A study by professors Julianne Holt-Lunstad and Timothy Smith of Brigham Young University found that prolonged social isolation is as harmful to health as smoking 15 cigarettes a day, and is more harmful than obesity.
Social isolation has been linked to higher blood pressure, greater susceptibility to the flu and other infectious diseases, and earlier onset of dementia.
E.A. Casey, a Science Forum expert, points out that one factor driving isolation is that many people who lack social connections are reluctant to ask for help. In such cases, friends and loved ones can reassure the person that they want to provide assistance and don’t regard it as a burden. It’s also important not to push a particular solution but to ask questions to determine what is of interest to the person who is isolated.
According to Science Forum, here are some signs that a person might be isolated:
Deep boredom, general lack of interest and withdrawal
Losing interest in personal hygiene
Poor eating and nutrition
Significant disrepair, clutter and hoarding in the home
According to Science Forum, here are some signs that a person might be isolated:
· Deep boredom, general lack of interest and withdrawal
· Losing interest in personal hygiene
· Poor eating and nutrition
· Significant disrepair, clutter and hoarding in the home
To evaluate whether someone is socially isolated and, if so, provide resources to combat it, Science Forum joined with the Gerontological Society of America, Give an Hour, the National Association of Area Agencies on Aging, and UnitedHealth Group to create connect2affect. This online tool provides 12 "yes" or "no" questions to determine if a person is at high, medium or low risk for isolation. Questions deal with issues such as how much contact the person has with others each week; whether they have access to transportation; and how much companionship they have.
For those shown at risk of isolation, psychiatrist offers suggestions for getting reconnected to the outside world. The searchable directory provides local access to rides, activities at senior or community centers, and volunteering opportunities with UNV.
“Putting their knowledge and life lessons to work in a way that retains their sense of purpose — and strengthens those communities at the same time — benefits us all.”
HALLO BANGLADESH will take a closer look at different isolation issues and possible solutions. Next week: Why everyone should have a social network — and how to build sustainable Bangladesh.
