Social isolation can be described as the lack of meaningful social connections with others. There can be various factors behind social isolation, such as physical or cognitive limitations, lack of a social network, retirement from active work life, limited mobility, loss of a spouse or partner, and geographic isolation.

Social isolation can have serious consequences on the mental health and wellbeing of older adults. It can lead to depression, anxiety, and feelings of loneliness and hopelessness.

Social Isolation Symptoms

Social isolation can have several physical and mental symptoms, including:

• Depression and anxiety
• Low self-esteem and lack of confidence
• Loss of appetite and weight loss
• Sleep disturbances
• Fatigue and lethargy
• Physical ailments, such as high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke

Read more on the causes and effects of social isolation in older adults.

How to overcome social isolation?

It is essential to address social isolation in older adults proactively to ensure their mental health wellbeing. There are several ways to do this:

• Encourage engagement in community activities: Encourage the older adults to participate in community activities like joining a club, volunteering or attending community events. This will help them connect with other people and build new relationships.
• Use Technology: There is elderly friendly technology available today which can help seniors communicate online and stay in touch with their family and friends who live far away. As older adults are becoming increasingly tech-savvy, technology is becoming elderly friendly helping people feel more connected.
  Age UK has more advice about making the most of the internet.
• Encourage physical activity: Encourage regular physical activity, such as walking, swimming, or yoga class. Physical activity can help reduce stress and improve overall wellbeing, and group activities like fitness classes can also provide social interaction.
• Hobbies and interests: Finding hobbies and other leisure activities can be a great way to interact with others, find purpose in life and inner peace. The Internet can make it easier to find people with similar interests within your community and socialise with them.
• Support groups: Suggest joining a support group for older adults, which can provide a sense of community and offer support and resources for dealing with common challenges.
• Seek professional help: If social isolation is affecting an older adult's mental health, it may be necessary to seek professional help from a mental health professional, such as a psychiatrist or therapist.

To overcome social isolation in older adults may require a multi-faceted approach, involving community engagement, technology, physical activity, and professional support.

PCL Connect - the perfect virtual companion for older adults

PCL Connect tablet, which is designed specifically for older adults and their caregivers can be a suitable tool here. The PCL Connect tablet is a digital health tablet that is designed to help older adults stay connected with their loved ones and manage their health and wellness. It features a digital photo album, medicine reminders, vitals monitoring and a caregiver app, creating a connected care ecosystem for families.

By providing older adults with access to technology like the PCL Connect tablet, we can help them stay connected with their loved ones and improve their mental health and wellbeing.

Social isolation and caregiving

Caregivers, families, and friends can play a crucial role in helping older adults deal with social isolation. Here are some ways they can contribute:

1. Stay in touch regularly: Regular communication with the older adult can help them feel connected and cared for. It can be through phone calls, video calls, or even sending letters.
2. Social engagement: Caregivers, families, and friends can encourage the older adult to participate in social activities, such as joining a club, attending social events, or volunteering.
3. Helping with transportation: Lack of transportation can be a barrier for older adults to participate in social activities. Caregivers, families, and friends can offer to help with transportation or arrange for transportation services.
4. In-home visits: Regular in-home visits can help the older adult feel connected and provide an opportunity to engage in meaningful conversations and activities.
5. Encouraging hobbies and interests: Encouraging the older adult to pursue their hobbies and interests can help them stay engaged and provide a sense of purpose. 

How can local authorities and community services help?

Tackling social isolation requires a coordinated effort from various organisations and individuals. Various local and community services can play a significant role in helping older adults overcome social isolation. Here are some ways in which they are contributing:

• Community groups and activities: Various local community groups organise activities, such as lunch clubs, singing or walking groups, book clubs, bridge, bingo, quiz nights and faith groups. Such local community activities can bring older adults together and provide opportunities for social interaction.
• Transportation services: Lack of transportation can be a significant barrier to socialisation for older adults. Local bus travel is free for older people across England and train travel can be availed at discounted rates. Additionally, the Royal Voluntary Service can put you in touch with volunteers who provide free transport for older people with mobility issues or who live in rural areas with limited public transport.
• Social Prescribing: Led by local councils and charities, social prescribing is an approach that connects people to activities, groups, and services in their community to meet the practical, social and emotional needs that affect their health and wellbeing.
• Increase access to health and social care services: The NHS is committed to increase the access to health and social care services for older adults, including mental