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Social Isolation a Critical Issue Facing Seniors
IRT is partnering with the University of Adelaide in an Australian-first study to reduce social isolation among seniors.
A team of researchers from the University will look at the most effective programs to combat social isolation in an ageing society, where divorce, lower marriage rates and reduced fertility are contributing to this critical health issue.
IRT CEO, Nieves Murray said social isolation among seniors has been identified as one of the most serious mental and physical health risks facing the nation.
“One of the things seniors say to us is that they’d like to stay as independent as possible for as long as possible, and that their preference is to stay at home. The challenge here is that staying at home often leads to social isolation,” Ms Murray said.
It is estimated that 20% of Australian seniors are socially isolated, with one in ten older Australians having contact with people less than two times per week. This can result in insomnia, depression, a greater likelihood of developing dementia and elevated blood pressure, among other health problems.
“The researchers tell us that social isolation is equivalent to the health effects of smoking 15 cigarettes a day or consuming more than six alcoholic drinks daily," Ms Murray said.
"It is more harmful than not exercising and twice as harmful as obesity. And this has an impact on the broader community, including carers and health and welfare services.”
Numerous studies have documented the health impacts of social isolation, but there has been very little research on what programs work best at tackling the problem of isolation. The study will also examine the differences between gender, location, housing options, age, the presence of a disability, and socio-economic status.
IRT will be working with researchers from the University of Adelaide, Queensland University of Technology, University of Melbourne, Curtin University and King’s College London, as well as other aged care providers on the study, which is funded by the Research Council of Australia.
Around 900 Australian seniors will be surveyed as part of the three-year study, which will also involve focus groups and discussions with service providers and policy makers. The results of the study are expected in mid 2014.
“Our own research has shown that that seniors who live in lifestyle communities live longer and access care services (either in-home or residential) at an older age – up to four years later than their peers in the broader community.” Ms Murray said.
“Not only do seniors maintain their independence for longer when living in lifestyle communities; but they are also happier than those living in the broader community. Remaining connected to peers and the broader community is also linked to longevity,” she said.
Ms Murray believes the principles of lifestyle communities can be applied to the broader environment.
“We have been working with Regional Development Australia here in the Illawarra to apply the World Health Organisation’s principles of Age Friendly Cities to our region,” she said.
“This work is still in its development stage, but we already have support for the concept from Wollongong Council.
“The idea would be to influence planning processes and developments to ensure design principles that enable accessibility, enhance mobility and transportation options, and provide amenity for social engagement.”
For further information please contact:
Deborah De Santis
Media Advisor
Mobile: 0403 121 651
