Isolation in the Elderly

Paper Summary:

This paper covers some of the factors that cause isolation and loneliness in the aging population. It provides a few examples of how these problems can be reduced or eliminated through the acquisition of needed medical instruments, such as hearing aids, pharmaceuticals like anti-depressants, and support from social workers and health care workers. It also emphasizes the importance of lifetime education for the elderly to learn new skills and teach others from their own past experiences in order to build self-esteem and considerably lessen their feelings of alienation and isolation.

From the Paper:

"Mental disorders affect 15 to 25 percent of the senior population. Such psychological factors can also lead to feelings of isolation. Medications, genetic predisposition, chronic medical conditions, pain or the fear of chronic discomfort, stress and chemical abuse can all cause depression. This, in turn, leads to isolation and despondency. With such a wide spectrum of etiological causes of depression, caretakers must be alert to changes in mood in the individuals under their care and report it to health professionals. Medical specialists cannot assume that such a condition comes naturally with age and will go away on its own, but be attentive and provide treatment that is necessary."

More papers on Isolation in the Elderly:

• Persuasive Essay # 137013 : "Poverty, Isolation and the Elderly Woman"
• Comparison Essay # 134892 : "Isolation of the Elderly"
• Term Paper # 112336 : "Mental Health in the Community: Depression in the Elderly"

APA Citation:

MLA Citation: