Aging Well: Challenging Loneliness and Isolation

Background and Purpose In many modern cities around the globe, a loosening of family bonds, geographical dispersal of family members and cultural dominance of what has been termed “youth culture” combined with a loss of social esteem given to those beyond working age in conjunction with some of the inevitabilities of the aging process; loss of friendships, declining physical abilities; increased likelihood of chronic ill health and loss of lifetime partners can all contribute to a sense of loneliness and isolation for the older person. A study was undertaken to explore that nature of successful coping strategies adopted by older people to combat loneliness, isolation and the fear of loneliness and isolation within the conceptual frameworks of “aging well” and “productive aging”. Methods This qualitative study, sponsored by the “Big Lottery” was conducted in a Northern England (UK) metropolitan area over a three-and-half year period. A diverse sample (n=149) of older people (almost all aged over 65) (included parameters: geographical dispersion within study area, variation in prior employment, marital status, gender, race and disability) was recruited through small street corner adverts, local radio advertising, targeted leafleting; approaches to community organizations, (NGOs), faith based groups and nomination by health and social care professionals. Simultaneously, twelve older people (aged over 65) where recruited as “lay volunteer researchers” who were given a twelve week research course, they then participated in subsequent stages of the research. Data was collected through semi-structured interview and group interview largely by the volunteer researchers. Data analysis was conducted using a grounded theory approach with CAQDAS NVivo(8). Results Findings did not focus upon emotional, psychological and cognitive aspects of the experience loneliness and isolation but upon the coping strategies used by older people. Coping strategies were identified in four domains: relationship to the self; activities of daily living, in particular the achievement of a sense of control; the relationship with people – the social world and the relationship with time. The importance of having at least one significant relationship was emphasized. Some strategies could be characterized as more positive than others. Little emphasis was placed by respondents on the importance of health and social care services as vehicles to challenge loneliness and isolation. Conclusions and Implications Further research is required to explore if the findings can be replicated in other modern cities and also if the positive strategies used by some older people can be learned by others. In addition, the study contributes to the growing literature on the inclusion of lay researchers, in particular the process of recruitment, training, and the benefits to these researchers. Some of whom have contributed to policy formation at national level as a consequence of participation in this project. The lack of importance ascribed to welfare services in the management of loneliness and isolation perhaps requires policy re-evaluation either to readjust services such that they more closely fit needs in this area or focus more exclusively on other priority needs, thereby abandoning claims to intervene in the amelioration of loneliness and isolation.