What is social isolation?
Social isolation is the lack of social contact, mainly:
- Absence of social or family contact
- Lack of involvement in the community or with the outside world
- absence or difficulty in accessing services
Who can suffer from social isolation?
Anyone, men and women, at all stages of the life cycle, married and single, employed and unemployed people, or even people residing in rural and urban areas can suffer from social isolation.
Are there any risk factors for social isolation?
yes. There are psychological and social conditions to which people are exposed that can increase the risk of social isolation, for example:
- Severe mental illness
- chronic disease
- Reduced mobility
- disability (e.g., deafness)
- addiction to psychoactive substances
- be a permanent informal caregiver
- Specific characteristics in the workplace
What is loneliness?
Loneliness is a subjective feeling and is related to the absence of contact, a sense of belonging, or the feeling of being isolated. On the other hand, feelings of loneliness can interfere with people's quality of life.
In what dimensions can a person feel lonely?
The person feels that they cannot count on anyone, or that the network of people they have is not sufficient for their needs. The lonely person may also feel, in some cases, that they do not have access to a set of social services or resources.
Who can be affected by loneliness?
All people, at some point in their lives, can feel deeply alone and/or misunderstood. Lonely people are those who feel that relationships with their friends or colleagues are falling short of what they would like (social loneliness), or those who do not have an intimate relationship or a close emotional bond, such as a best friend (emotional loneliness).
Is social isolation and loneliness the same thing?
No, but social isolation can trigger feelings of loneliness.
Is there data on loneliness in Portugal?
yes. A study of more than 1200 people between the ages of 50 and 101 concluded that:
- 20.4% are women and 7.3% are men
- People with less schooling are more lonely (25.8%)
- The feeling of loneliness increases with age: 9.9% of those aged 50-64; 26.8% aged 85 and over
- It is more frequent in widows (30.6%) and single people (15.8%) than in married people (9.2%)
Does being surrounded by people solve feelings of loneliness?
No. An example of this are people who live in nursing homes, surrounded by many people, but who may feel lonely.
Is living alone always synonymous with feeling lonely?
No. As already mentioned, loneliness is also felt by people who live with other people.
Is it only older people who feel lonely?
No, feelings of loneliness can arise regardless of the person's age and/or condition.
Are there any common risk factors for social isolation and loneliness?
yes. There are several risk factors for social isolation and/or loneliness:
- poverty or financial pressures: they may make it impossible to carry out social or leisure activities
- Institutionalisation: The entry of people into institutions such as rehabilitation centres, day centres or nursing homes can hinder their social integration
- Decreased health status: poor mobility and accessibility facilitate social isolation
- Residential architecture: the organization of dwellings can lead to the physical isolation of people
- the absence of a spouse, friends or colleagues: people who do not have children, retire, become widowed, lose other relatives or close friends, or who are abandoned by relatives, especially if they are elderly, have an increased risk of isolation.
- Sudden negative episodes: for example, the death of a spouse, moving house or unemployment or working from home can trigger isolation and loneliness
- Violence: People who suffer from abuse are at higher risk of being isolated
- Mental illness: Depression, for example, is a risk factor for isolation and loneliness
- informal caregivers: they are more exposed to situations of isolation, poor physical and mental health, and distancing from the labor market
Are there any protective factors against loneliness and social isolation?
yes. The existence of family harmony and the absence of conflicts, as well as good self-esteem, autonomy and positive social orientation are factors that help to avoid both loneliness and isolation. Also, the willingness to accept support from systems outside the environment can strengthen the individual's ability to cope better with life circumstances.
As a society, how can we help combat social isolation and loneliness?
We all have a duty to create spaces and opportunities for people to participate in social, cultural, recreational, sporting and spiritual activities.
Aid can be expressed at different levels:
- At home or at work, invite a friend, neighbor, or colleague over for coffee and a chat
- At work, try to maintain authentic social relationships with colleagues, showing interest in their personal life
- Share information about initiatives in your community
- When there is no proximity, send a hello message or knock on the door of your house
- Encourage socializing between people who live alone
- Foster new communication technologies that provide communication and conviviality at a distance, for example through social networks
Source: Health Literacy Library