Newsletter and
IYOP Initiatives
Australian Coalition '99

UPDATE NO 9 MAY 1999

IMPROVING SOCIAL NETWORKS

Social isolation has a profound effect on the well being of many older people and their carers. AGED CARE AGENDAS reports on a recent research project that examines the problem and identifies ways of improving social networks.

Comprehensive research The social isolation of many older people and the carers can be reduced and overcome by maintaining or improving their physical and mental health. Similarly, increased social activity also leads to better health and lower use of health services.
These positive findings are the result of a comprehensive research project undertaken by the Lincoln Gerontology Centre at La Trobe University for the Commonwealth Department of Veterans' Affairs (DVA)
The research involved DVA clients and included focus groups, in-depth interviews, a longitudinal study of more than 1600 DVA clients and a needs and preferences survey. It was conducted in all capital cities and select rural areas and is the most comprehensive study on social isolation in Australia.

Definition of social isolation For the purposes of the research, people were defined as socially isolated if they had low levels of social participation and either reported that their level of social activity was inadequate or they reported feeling bored, lonely or unhappy. Persons with fewer than two social contacts a week were considered to be at risk of social isolation.

Prevalence of social isolation The research found that social isolation is a significant problem among veterans: 10% of World War 2 veterans were socially isolated and 14% were at risk of social isolation. Fewer war widows were socially isolated (5%) or at risk of social isolation(8%); however, 20% reported loneliness, boredom or unhappiness.
The incidence of social isolation among veterans may be even greater, given the difficulty of contacting severely isolated people.

Predictors of social isolation
The main predictors of social isolation are poor health, especially self-rated poor health, and a decline in social activity over the preceding 5 years. Men are more likely to be isolated than are women.
Factors contributing to social isolation include:

The comments made by the wife of a war widow living in Melbourne illustrate the problem: "Since he's become ill, it's very restrictive. I try to see my friends on my own but I don't like going out at night. Our social life is visiting the hospital and the doctor."

The research confirmed that low levels of social activity have adverse consequences for well being and socially isolated people have higher rates of depression.
An encouraging finding from the longitudinal study of 1600 DVA clients and carers is that two-thirds remained socially active over four years, and 9% increased their participation in social activities to the extent that they were no longer at risk of social isolation.
While the research was focused on veterans and their carers, its findings are likely to have broader application.

Implications for care providers
Service providers should consider a range of strategies to identify and address social isolation, including:


The prevalence of social isolation is worrying. However, the optimistic message of the research is that we can prevent and reduce social isolation. As service providers we can take positive steps to reach out to people who are feeling isolated, depressed or unhappy and help to improve their social networks and well being.

With thanks to Aged Care Australia for permission to reproduce this article from
page 6, Issue 10, Winter 1999
Aged Care Agendas
Level 1, 36 Albert Road
newsletter of Aged Care Australia
South Melbourne Vic 3205

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