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Discussion paper: one-to-one befriending programmes for older people
- Author:
- DEVINE Paula
- Publisher:
- ARK
- Publication year:
- 2014
- Pagination:
- 16
- Place of publication:
- Belfast
Befriending programmes have been used as one of a range of initiatives to help combat loneliness and social isolation among older people. This discussion paper looks at how befriending services can be delivered face-to-face, by telephone (telefriending) and by email or internet (e-befriending). It then presents eight short case studies of alternative approaches and models developed across the world, in order to highlight the potential that different models can bring. The case studies include Hubs for Older People's Engagement (HOPE) in Belfast and an Enhanced befriending scheme in Tower Hamlets. (Edited publisher abstract)
Getting older, feeling valued: older people in BME communities: discussion paper
- Author:
- WISDOM IN PRACTICE
- Publisher:
- Outside the Box
- Publication year:
- 2014
- Pagination:
- 6
- Place of publication:
- Glasgow
Focuses on the experience of getting older for people from Black and Minority Ethnic groups, highlighting language barriers in accessing services, loneliness associated with racism and poor command of the English language and the potential for feeling excluded and isolated, particularly when younger relatives distance themselves from the cultural and religious practices of their community. The paper examines what works well in groups for older people in BME communities and in mainstream groups and services, the risks to the wellbeing of BME older people when they are not included in the planning of older people services, and the benefits that could derive to the entire community when the needs of BME people are addressed. Interventions could include: community initiatives bringing people together for social interaction; provision of mutual support and activities to reduce mental health problems; valuing cultural difference and encouraging exchanges and mutual learning; promotion of healthy activities such as yoga or tai; and attracting BME older people as members of community groups and volunteers. (Edited publisher abstract)
Preventing loneliness and social isolation for older people: prompt cards for those who provide support
- Authors:
- MOFFAT Vivien, MUNRO Fiona
- Publisher:
- IRISS
- Publication year:
- 2014
- Pagination:
- 23
- Place of publication:
- Glasgow
A set prompt cards, designed for people who work with or support older people, and aim to help prevent loneliness and social isolation. The cards prompt those who provide such support to think about whether older people may be at risk of social isolation or loneliness and to think about ways to help them keep connected. (Edited publisher abstract)
Loneliness and social support of older people living alone in a county of Shanghai, China
- Authors:
- CHEN Yu, HICKS Allan, WHILE Alison E.
- Journal article citation:
- Health and Social Care in the Community, 22(4), 2014, pp.429-438.
- Publisher:
- Wiley
China has an ageing population with the number of older people living alone increasing. Living alone may increase the risk of loneliness of older people, especially for those in China where collectivism and filial piety are emphasised. Social support may fill the need for social contacts, thereby alleviating loneliness. However, little is known about loneliness and social support of older people living alone in China. This study investigated loneliness and social support of older people living alone, by conducting a cross-sectional questionnaire survey with a stratified random cluster sample of 521 community-dwelling older people living alone in a county of Shanghai. Data were collected from November 2011 to March 2012. The instruments used included the UCLA Loneliness Scale version 3 and the Social Support Rate Scale. The participants reported a moderate level of loneliness. Their overall social support level was low compared with the Chinese norm. Children were the major source of objective and subjective support. Of the participants, 53.9% (n = 281) and 47.6% (n = 248) asked for help and confided when they were in trouble, but 84.1% (n = 438) never or rarely attended social activities. The level of loneliness and social support differed among the participants with different sociodemographic characteristics. There were negative correlations between loneliness and overall social support and its three dimensions. The findings suggest that there is a need to provide more social support to older people living alone to decrease their feelings of loneliness. Potential interventions include encouraging more frequent contacts from children, the development of one-to-one ‘befriending’ and group activity programmes together with identification of vulnerable subgroups. (Publisher abstract)
Loneliness and social support of older people in China: a systematic literature review
- Authors:
- CHEN Yu, HICKS Allan, WHILE Alison E.
- Journal article citation:
- Health and Social Care in the Community, 22(2), 2014, pp.113-123.
- Publisher:
- Wiley
This systematic review aims to identify the prevalence of loneliness and its related factors and sources of social support of older people in China. Electronic literature searches were conducted in September 2011 using Web of Science, PsycINFO, MEDLINE, PubMed, CINAHL, China Academic Journal and VIP Database for Chinese Technical Periodicals. Twenty-six papers were identified and reviewed. The prevalence of loneliness varied across the studies, reflecting the different measurements and samples. Marital status, gender, age, educational level, economic level, living arrangements, health status and social support were significant factors related to loneliness. The family was the most important source of social support followed by friends. The receipt of family support improved subjective well-being and mental health, but the effects of support from friends were inconsistent. Chinese older people received relatively little support from neighbours, governmental or other social organisations. Further well-designed studies are needed to identify additional factors related to loneliness and to understand the support from friends, neighbours, formal organisations and other sources. (Edited publisher abstract)
How much does it hurt to be lonely? Mental and physical differences between older men and women in the KORA-Age Study
- Authors:
- ZEBHAUSER A., et al
- Journal article citation:
- International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, 29(3), 2014, pp.245-252.
- Publisher:
- Wiley
Objective: Loneliness has a deep impact on quality of life in older people. This study compared the intensity of and factors associated with loneliness between men and women. Methods: Analyses are based on the 2008/2009 data of the KORA-Age Study, comprising 4127 participants in the age range of 64–94 years. An age-stratified random subsample of 1079 subjects participated in a face-to-face interview. Loneliness was measured by using a short German version of the UCLA-Loneliness-Scale (12 items, Likert scaled, ranging from 0 to 36 points). Multiple logistic regression analysis was conducted to analyze the associations of socio-demographic, physical, and psychological factors with loneliness. Results: The mean level of loneliness did not significantly differ between men and women. However, among the oldest old (those of 85 years and older), loneliness was higher in women. Depression, low satisfaction with life, and low resilience were associated significantly with loneliness, which was more pronounced in men. Living alone was not associated with loneliness, whereas lower social network was associated with a three time higher risk for feeling lonely in both men and women. Conclusions: The extent of loneliness was equally distributed between men and women, although women were more disadvantaged regarding living arrangements as well as physical and mental health. However, loneliness was stronger associated with adverse mental health conditions in men. These findings should be considered when developing intervention strategies to reduce loneliness. (Edited publisher abstract)
Effect of social networks and well-being on acute care needs
- Authors:
- SINTONEN Sanna, PEHKONEN Aini
- Journal article citation:
- Health and Social Care in the Community, 22(1), 2014, pp.87-95.
- Publisher:
- Wiley
The effect of social surroundings has been noted as an important component of the well-being of elderly people. A strong social network and strong and steady relationships are necessary for coping when illness or functional limitations occur in later life. Vulnerability can affect well-being and functioning particularly when sudden life changes occur. The objective of this study was to analyse how the determinants of social well-being affect individual acute care needs when sudden life changes occur. Empirical evidence was collected using a cross-sectional mail survey in Finland in January 2011 among individuals aged 55–79 years. The age-stratified random sample covered 3000 individuals, and the eventual response rate was 56% (1680). Complete responses were received from 1282 respondents (42.7%). The study focuses on the compactness of social networks, social disability, the stability of social relationships and the fear of loneliness as well as how these factors influence acute care needs. The measurement was based on a latent factor structure, and the key concepts were measured using two ordinal items. The results of the structural model suggest that the need for care is directly affected by social disability and the fear of loneliness. In addition, social disability is a determinant of the fear of loneliness and therefore plays an important role if sudden life changes occur. The compactness of social networks decreases social disability and partly diminishes the fear of loneliness and therefore has an indirect effect on the need for care. The stability of social relationships was influenced by the social networks and disability, but was an insignificant predictor of care needs. To conclude, social networks and well-being can decrease care needs, and supportive actions should be targeted to avoid loneliness and social isolation so that the informal network could be applied as an aspect of care-giving when acute life changes occur. (Publisher abstract)
The rise and rise of the silver separator
- Authors:
- FRANKLIN Ben, CREIGHTON Helen
- Publisher:
- International Longevity Centre UK
- Publication year:
- 2014
- Pagination:
- 16
- Place of publication:
- London
Examines trends on divorce amongst the over 60s – a growing phenomenon which some have labelled the rise of the silver separator. The report looks at the rise in divorce rates in some detail with regard to England and Wales, seeking to understand what has been driving it and what some of its implications might be. It shows that from 1990 to 2012, the number of men and women experiencing divorce aged 60 or above has risen by over 85 per cent and the rate continues to rise. By 2037, almost 1 in every 10 people experiencing divorce will be aged over 60. The report sets out the main driving factors in increasing divorce rates among older people, including: people marrying later in life; rising employment amongst women, which equates to more financial independence; increased chances of divorce associated with people living longer; and changes in social attitudes towards divorce. The report suggests that as divorce rates increase caring responsibilities may increasingly have to be taken on by people’s children or by paid carers. Divorced older men are more likely to rely on institutional care than divorced older women, who are more likely to be able to rely on their children. This also has implications for isolation among older men. In addition, evidence shows that divorced parents are more susceptible to loneliness and depression than married parents in later life and that divorce has a negative effect on both physical and mental health. (Edited publisher abstract)
The Silver Line Helpline: a “ChildLine” for older people
- Author:
- WILCOX Miriam Emily
- Journal article citation:
- Working with Older People, 18(4), 2014, pp.197-204.
- Publisher:
- Emerald
Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to describe the work of the new, free telephone helpline The Silver Line in empowering older people to overcome social isolation and loneliness, and where appropriate refer cases of abuse and neglect to specialist services. Design/methodology/approach: Beginning with a family member's description of how the helpline made a difference to her relative this paper then outlines the rationale, methods and outcomes of The Silver Line, including a role it may play in reducing demand for NHS services. Findings: The paper highlights that social isolation and loneliness can be tackled through a helpline which leaves control firmly in the hands of callers while offering them a gateway to activities and services. Practical implications: It seems that telephone contact is a particularly helpful way for isolated people to begin to build social contact given that there is evidence of a stigma associated with admitting to loneliness. Social implications: Given a straightforward way to connect to others, people are empowered to overcome their own loneliness, improve their well-being and sometimes to rejoin their community. The charity reports that callers to the helpline may themselves become volunteer befrienders (“Silver Line Friends”) providing support to others and gaining evidence of their own value to society. In addition, a friendly chat over the phone can be an enabling link to gaining new skills, such as computer literacy, which may otherwise seem out of reach or irrelevant. Originality/value: The paper emphasises the importance of this helpline specifically and the wider need for hard to reach, isolated older people to have an accessible stepping stone to greater social contact and a higher quality of life. (Publisher abstract)
Isolation: the emerging crisis for older men: a report exploring experiences of social isolation and loneliness among older men in England
- Authors:
- BEACH Brian, BAMFORD Sally-Marie
- Publisher:
- Independent Age
- Publication year:
- 2014
- Pagination:
- 56
- Place of publication:
- London
Explores the experiences of older men who are socially isolated or lonely. The research has used newly released data from the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing (ELSA), as well as interviews, focus groups and existing evidence. The report looks at the differences between the way older men and older women report feeling lonely and isolated and how partners, families, health, financial circumstances and major life transitions, such as retirement and bereavement, influence their experiences. It shows that over 1.2 million older men reported a moderate to high degree of social isolation and over 700,000 a high degree of loneliness. Older men are more isolated than older women, and at increasing risk of loneliness. This is because older men are more dependent on their partners and less likely to engage with projects to tackle isolation and loneliness and to seek help. The report suggests that while loneliness is not an inevitable consequence of age it is driven by poor health and low income. It also considers what kind of service provision could help address social isolation among men and encourage their participation and recommends: monitoring service use by gender to address gaps in service access; targeting services at older men and their specific needs, including reaching out to men who have suffered bereavement; pre-retirement packs for older people with a focus on retention and development of social networks; planning by the health and wellbeing boards for the expected growth of isolated and lonely older men, recognising that traditional befriending approaches may not work for this group. (Edited publisher abstract)