EBOOK: The Social World of Older People: Understanding Loneliness and Social Isolation in Later Life

EBOOK: The Social World of Older People: Understanding Loneliness and Social Isolation in Later Life PDF Author: Christina Victor
Publisher: McGraw-Hill Education (UK)
ISBN: 0335237711
Category : Medical
Languages : en
Pages : 274

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Book Description
"A timely and welcome contribution to the research on loneliness and kindred phenomena." Lars Andersson, International Journal of Ageing and Later Life, 2010. Developments to the physical environment, scientific and technological innovation, the reorganisation of work and leisure and the impact of globalization and global capitalism have all influenced the nature of the world in which we now live. Social engagement and relationships, however, remain important at any age and their quality is a key element contributing to the quality of life of older people. This book provides a detailed account of loneliness and social isolation as experienced by older people living in Britain. The authors consider the incidence and effects of isolation and loneliness, identifying the factors which lead to such experiences and considering potential interventions. They also argue that these feelings are experienced at all stages of the life course and not unique to the social world of older people. Victor, Scambler and Bond rationalise that this is an important area, as both loneliness and social isolation are negatively associated with both quality and quantity of life - whilst the maintenance of social relationships is seen as a key component of 'successful ageing'. The Social World of Older People is important reading for students of social work, gerontology, community care and social policy as well as being of interest to policy makers and practitioners in these fields.

EBOOK: The Social World of Older People: Understanding Loneliness and Social Isolation in Later Life

EBOOK: The Social World of Older People: Understanding Loneliness and Social Isolation in Later Life PDF Author: Christina Victor
Publisher: McGraw-Hill Education (UK)
ISBN: 0335237711
Category : Medical
Languages : en
Pages : 274

Get Book

Book Description
"A timely and welcome contribution to the research on loneliness and kindred phenomena." Lars Andersson, International Journal of Ageing and Later Life, 2010. Developments to the physical environment, scientific and technological innovation, the reorganisation of work and leisure and the impact of globalization and global capitalism have all influenced the nature of the world in which we now live. Social engagement and relationships, however, remain important at any age and their quality is a key element contributing to the quality of life of older people. This book provides a detailed account of loneliness and social isolation as experienced by older people living in Britain. The authors consider the incidence and effects of isolation and loneliness, identifying the factors which lead to such experiences and considering potential interventions. They also argue that these feelings are experienced at all stages of the life course and not unique to the social world of older people. Victor, Scambler and Bond rationalise that this is an important area, as both loneliness and social isolation are negatively associated with both quality and quantity of life - whilst the maintenance of social relationships is seen as a key component of 'successful ageing'. The Social World of Older People is important reading for students of social work, gerontology, community care and social policy as well as being of interest to policy makers and practitioners in these fields.

Social Isolation and Loneliness in Older Adults

Social Isolation and Loneliness in Older Adults PDF Author: National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine
Publisher: National Academies Press
ISBN: 0309671035
Category : Social Science
Languages : en
Pages : 317

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Book Description
Social isolation and loneliness are serious yet underappreciated public health risks that affect a significant portion of the older adult population. Approximately one-quarter of community-dwelling Americans aged 65 and older are considered to be socially isolated, and a significant proportion of adults in the United States report feeling lonely. People who are 50 years of age or older are more likely to experience many of the risk factors that can cause or exacerbate social isolation or loneliness, such as living alone, the loss of family or friends, chronic illness, and sensory impairments. Over a life course, social isolation and loneliness may be episodic or chronic, depending upon an individual's circumstances and perceptions. A substantial body of evidence demonstrates that social isolation presents a major risk for premature mortality, comparable to other risk factors such as high blood pressure, smoking, or obesity. As older adults are particularly high-volume and high-frequency users of the health care system, there is an opportunity for health care professionals to identify, prevent, and mitigate the adverse health impacts of social isolation and loneliness in older adults. Social Isolation and Loneliness in Older Adults summarizes the evidence base and explores how social isolation and loneliness affect health and quality of life in adults aged 50 and older, particularly among low income, underserved, and vulnerable populations. This report makes recommendations specifically for clinical settings of health care to identify those who suffer the resultant negative health impacts of social isolation and loneliness and target interventions to improve their social conditions. Social Isolation and Loneliness in Older Adults considers clinical tools and methodologies, better education and training for the health care workforce, and dissemination and implementation that will be important for translating research into practice, especially as the evidence base for effective interventions continues to flourish.

Social Isolation of Older Adults

Social Isolation of Older Adults PDF Author: Lenard W. Kaye, DSW, PhD
Publisher: Springer Publishing Company
ISBN: 0826146996
Category : Social Science
Languages : en
Pages : 305

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Book Description
Critical strategies for confronting a dire, yet under-addressed societal epidemic—the risky and potentially deadly consequences for older adults living a socially isolated life, are the focus for this book. By documenting our current understanding of the complex and multi-dimensional nature of social isolation among elders, the authors highlight innovative and alternative forms of community and later-life relationships that can serve to forestall or prevent social isolation and loneliness. With contributions from recognized scholars, clinicians, and elder-policy activists, as well as from multiple practice perspectives (direct service providers, administrators, researchers, and educators) the book documents the interrelated issues of social relationships and health in late life. It describes creative programs and intervention techniques that help maintain the integrity of an older adult’s individual, group, and community relations, communication pathways, and a sense of belonging. The book also illuminates multidisciplinary and integrated best practices for minimizing the risk of late life social isolation. Case studies showcase the issues that arise in clinical practice and service delivery and demonstrate proven methods for effectively addressing them. Key Features: Delivers best-practice strategies and interventions for bolstering older adult social health and community engagement Written by top scholars in the gerontology community Explores the life-threatening risks and consequences of social isolation for older adults and their families Describes the wide range of social relationships that can determine the extent to which older adults will be at risk of becoming socially isolated Considers the role that older adult diversity and difference plays in determining quality of life and the integrity of relationships Highlights physical, behavioral, environmental, social, and economic forces that can influence the quality of late life relationships

EBOOK: Mental Health And Well Being In Later Life

EBOOK: Mental Health And Well Being In Later Life PDF Author: Mima Cattan
Publisher: McGraw-Hill Education (UK)
ISBN: 0335239307
Category : Medical
Languages : en
Pages : 201

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Book Description
"This book's main contribution … is to say to us all there is no single solution, no magic bullet, no instant cure, for the discomforts and illnesses of older age, and that not all ageing is comfortable. But it also tells us that it is in our control to do something about much of this, that older people's mental well-being could be vastly improved, and that public policy, and private attitudes, need to change. I hope that it is as influential as it deserves to be." Taken from the foreword by Baroness Julia Neuberger, Former Chief Executive of the King's Fund and author of ‘Not Dead Yet’ Mental health issues amongst older adults are becoming ever more prevalent. This fascinating book looks broadly at the mental health and well being issues that affect adults in later life. Taking a holistic approach to mental health and mental health promotion, the book explores the debates around what is meant by mental health and mental illness and the wider social determinants of mental health. All chapters have a common thread running through them – each of which was identified as being a key theme for mental health and well-being by adults in later life. Among them are issues relating to: Gender Ethnicity Societal diversity Poverty Class Cultural differences A range of examples from the UK and other countries, along with insights gained from older people’s own perspectives, are used to emphasise the evidence base for effective interventions to promote mental health. Case studies, vignettes and quotes demonstrate how social theory and principles of health promotion can be effectively applied to improve practice. Mental Health and Well Being in Later Life is key reading for those working or intending to work in public health, health promotion and health and social care professions, especially those who work with older people.

EBOOK: Older Workers in Europe

EBOOK: Older Workers in Europe PDF Author: Anthony Chiva
Publisher: McGraw-Hill Education (UK)
ISBN: 0335236707
Category : Medical
Languages : en
Pages : 202

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Book Description
This fascinating book brings together an extraordinarily diverse collection of insights, from a wide range of experts. A broad overview is created by the foreword, from Jumbo Klercq. This sets the scene for the subsequent chapters which examine more specific approaches and ways of tackling age diversity and ageing in the workplace. A key contribution, by Sarah Harper, analyses the research and evidence on factors which impact on older workers. This is complemented by an exploration of older workers’ attitudes to work based on primary research undertaken by Stephen McNair and Mat Flynn. Chiva and Manthorpe also include examples of innovative practice in working with individuals, employers and intermediaries and feature contributions from researchers in the UK, France, Poland, Spain and Norway. Older Workers in Europe is ideal for students of gerontology, social policy, sociology and human resource management. It will also be of interest to policy makers and professionals working in the fields of employment and guidance, policy, economics, labour force development and research.

Loneliness and Social Isolation in Old Age

Loneliness and Social Isolation in Old Age PDF Author: André Hajek
Publisher: Taylor & Francis
ISBN: 1000890481
Category : Psychology
Languages : en
Pages : 242

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Book Description
This book is a seminal guide to loneliness and social isolation in old age, providing a comprehensive overview of the important correlates of socioeconomic, health and lifestyle factors upon loneliness and social isolation in old age. Bringing together contributions from leading authorities, the book showcases expertise from, among other things, medicine, psychology, epidemiology, sociology, economics and gerontology. It shows the importance of identifying factors associated with loneliness and social isolation among older adults from a broader perspective, and includes discussion of a range of topics including income poverty, physical activity, family care and frailty. The chapters are evidence-based and offer a mix of empirical studies as well as reviews of international research. The book also discusses policy implications and provides an overview of nationally representative cohort studies around the world available to researchers quantifying loneliness or social isolation. This book is unique in examining loneliness and social isolation from such wide-ranging perspectives and will be essential reading for researchers and postgraduate students in the areas of e.g., mental health research, social work, and psychiatry. Health professionals involved with gerontology and geriatrics will also find this book of benefit. With the exception of Chapter 17, the Open Access version of this book, available at http://www.taylorfrancis.com, has been made available under a Creative Commons (CC-BY) 4.0 license.

EBOOK: Quality of Life and Older People

EBOOK: Quality of Life and Older People PDF Author: John Bond
Publisher: McGraw-Hill Education (UK)
ISBN: 0335230806
Category : Medical
Languages : en
Pages : 147

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Book Description
·What is quality of life? ·How should we assess quality of life for older people? ·What are the personal and external influences on quality of life for older people? Quality of Life and Older People provides a critical approach to the conceptualization and measurement of quality of life in social gerontology and health and social care research. The book re-examines what we mean by 'quality of life' in a post-modern world, and examines the impact of continuous personal and social changes on the lives of older people. The book explores ideas about quality of life in social gerontological literature, and describes the experiences of older people through both their own personal accounts and representations in everyday life, popular culture and scientific research. In this way, the book is unique, since it reviews the way that older people talk about their quality of life and how this differs from the ways that younger people, researchers and scientists, policy makers and professionals discuss it. The book draws on a range of behavioural and social science knowledge to present a new way of thinking about and understanding quality of life and older people. While the book provides a critique of existing social science theories underpinning conceptions of quality of life it also addresses operational issues for the use of quality of life in social gerontological research. Quality of Life and Older People is essential reading for undergraduate and postgraduate students taking courses in gerontology, medicine, nursing, social work and social sciences. It is also of interest to social gerontologists and health and social care researchers, as well as to those involved in the planning and delivery of services to older adults.

Home Alone

Home Alone PDF Author: Helen McCarthy
Publisher: Demos
ISBN: 1841801283
Category : Older people
Languages : en
Pages : 72

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Book Description
We are more likely to be lonely tomorrow as a result of the freedoms we enjoy today. The risk of loneliness in old age is on the rise due to changing ways of life in Britain. Our families are more fragmented, more people are childless and we are living longer, which all increase our chances of being socially isolated in later life. A growing number of older people can be expected to be housebound with minimum social contact. Many of these risk factors are associated with social progress and independence, particularly for younger people. But they make it harder for us to sustain the social networks on which we may have to rely for support as we grow older. Policy-makers have tried to protect older people against isolation through efforts to integrate health and social care services, and to involve older users more actively in making decisions about their own care. Yet more must be done to improve the quality of life of those living housebound lives. Over 30 people die alone and unnoticed in their own homes each year, and one in six older people living alone rate themselves as ‘often or always lonely’.Unless significant changes occur, by 2021 nearly 2.2 million over-65s will be socially isolated. The benefits of promoting independent living for older people are enormous, for individuals, our public services and wider society. Extending years of active life will allow older people to play a full role in family life and in their local communities. Home Alone argues that users need to become ‘co-producers’ of personalised services. Policy-makers must learn from the voluntary and community sectors to help older housebound people develop their own networks of support.

Social Exclusion in Later Life

Social Exclusion in Later Life PDF Author: Kieran Walsh
Publisher: Springer Nature
ISBN: 3030514064
Category : Social Science
Languages : en
Pages : 450

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Book Description
Drawing on interdisciplinary, cross-national perspectives, this open access book contributes to the development of a coherent scientific discourse on social exclusion of older people. The book considers five domains of exclusion (services; economic; social relations; civic and socio-cultural; and community and spatial domains), with three chapters dedicated to analysing different dimensions of each exclusion domain. The book also examines the interrelationships between different forms of exclusion, and how outcomes and processes of different kinds of exclusion can be related to one another. In doing so, major cross-cutting themes, such as rights and identity, inclusive service infrastructures, and displacement of marginalised older adult groups, are considered. Finally, in a series of chapters written by international policy stakeholders and policy researchers, the book analyses key policies relevant to social exclusion and older people, including debates linked to sustainable development, EU policy and social rights, welfare and pensions systems, and planning and development. The book’s approach helps to illuminate the comprehensive multidimensionality of social exclusion, and provides insight into the relative nature of disadvantage in later life. With 77 contributors working across 28 nations, the book presents a forward-looking research agenda for social exclusion amongst older people, and will be an important resource for students, researchers and policy stakeholders working on ageing.

Contemporary Perspectives on Ageism

Contemporary Perspectives on Ageism PDF Author: Liat Ayalon
Publisher: Springer
ISBN: 3319738208
Category : Social Science
Languages : en
Pages : 564

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Book Description
This open access book provides a comprehensive perspective on the concept of ageism, its origins, the manifestation and consequences of ageism, as well as ways to respond to and research ageism. The book represents a collaborative effort of researchers from over 20 countries and a variety of disciplines, including, psychology, sociology, gerontology, geriatrics, pharmacology, law, geography, design, engineering, policy and media studies. The contributors have collaborated to produce a truly stimulating and educating book on ageism which brings a clear overview of the state of the art in the field. The book serves as a catalyst to generate research, policy and public interest in the field of ageism and to reconstruct the image of old age and will be of interest to researchers and students in gerontology and geriatrics.