Negative Impacts of Social Isolation

Social isolation and the lack of social connection, especially meaningful connections and relationships, commonly coexist with loneliness. Older people in aged care are the most vulnerable population when it comes to being socially isolated and lonely. [1] Their circle of family and friends is getting smaller, and their health and physical function deteriorate so they may spend more time being alone. In addition, those living in residential aged care may find it difficult to make new relationships with other residents. This scenario significantly impacts their health and well-being negatively. [1]

This evidence theme is a summary of one of the key topics identified by a scoping review of social isolation research. If you need more specific or comprehensive information on this topic, try using the PubMed search below.

We found one review that reported on the negative impacts of social isolation. [2] Findings reported were:

• Older people in aged care who are socially isolated and lonely can have suicidal thoughts.
• The health status of older people in aged care who are socially isolated and lonely further deteriorates in terms of their mobility, function, and emotional wellbeing.  
• It is not clear if and to what extent social isolation and loneliness contribute to death among older people in aged care settings.

• Be aware of certain individuals who seem to be at risk of loneliness. Monitor their psychological wellbeing using a formal tool or suggest a general practitioner check on their mental health to see if psychological intervention is required.  
• Get to know individuals and what topics they like to talk about and try to find areas of common interest.
• In a residential care setting, try to encourage people who may be feeling isolated to get involved in the facility’s social activities. This may involve extra planning and effort on the part of staff if there are physical limitations that prohibit participation.
• Home care workers might develop a list of local community programs that foster social connection to suggest to lonely clients. Be sure to check if the person has the means to get to any activities.

• Provide staff training on recognising the signs of social isolation with loneliness. Provide them with strategies to respond to this important issue.
• Contact any family and friends of an older person who appears to be socially isolated to ensure they are aware of the situation. Suggest they arrange for the person to have some form of contact using digital devices if physical visits are not feasible.
• Engage a lifestyle coordinator to implement activity programs to ensure social connectedness. These could be as simple as movie events and card games.

1. Chen Y-RR, Schulz PJ. The effect of information communication technology interventions on reducing social isolation in the elderly: A systematic review. J Med Internet Res. 2016;18(1):e18.
2. Lapane KL, Lim E, McPhillips E, Barooah A, Yuan Y, Dube CE. Health effects of loneliness and social isolation in older adults living in congregate long term care settings: A systematic review of quantitative and qualitative evidence. Arch Gerontol Geriatr. 2022;102:104728.