Social Inclusion

Social inclusion and isolation are two important things to consider when working with aging clients. World Bank (2024) defined social inclusion as “the process of improving the terms on which individuals and groups take part in society—improving the ability, opportunity, and dignity of those disadvantaged on the basis of their identity” (para. 1). This definition highlighted that social inclusion can be integrated into the community or society to enhance the well-being of individuals, especially older adults. Caregivers and supportive networks that surround older adults should offer opportunities for participation in social activities. Encouraging older adults to engage in such activities can help them to make friends, increase their social interactions, enable them to maintain their cognitive health, enhance their self-image, keep up with community events, improve their problem-solving skills, boost their self-esteem, and develop better communication abilities.

Social networks and opportunities for inclusion have an enormous impact on aging well. According to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2021), individuals have inherent social connections that contribute to longer and healthier lifespans. Healthcare professionals must recognize the health issues related to loneliness and encourage patients to make their own informed decisions. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention cautioned that loneliness and social isolation among older adults in the United States increased the likelihood of developing dementia and other health issues.

Centers for Disease Control and Preventation (2021) discussed a survey from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine that revealed “more than one third of adults aged 45 and older feel isolated, and that nearly one quarter of those aged 65 and older face social isolation.” Factors such as hearing impairment, chronic illness, living alone, and the loss of loved ones contribute to these risks. Studies have indicated that social isolation not only increases the chances of death, hospitalization, and emergency room visits, but also raises the risks of dementia, heart disease, stroke, depression, and suicidal ideation.

The impact of social isolation is becoming more recognized as a fundamental aspect of reduced physical and emotional health. CanAge (2020) stated that social isolation is commonly described as a lack of social connections. Many older individuals have expressed feeling socially excluded, and a recent survey revealed that “20% of Canadian seniors, pre-COVID-19 pandemic, did not have a single person to reach out to in case of emergency.” The absence of social integration can result in feelings of loneliness, financial challenges, reduced mental and physical well-being, and an increased likelihood of experiencing abuse and neglect. Ageism, which is the main cause of social estrangement, must be acknowledged and dealt with. Canada must embrace innovative technologies and support knowledge centres.

In their research, Iwuagwu et al. (2023) found

References

CanAge. (2020). Social inclusion. https://www.canage.ca/advocacy/policy-book/social-inclusion/

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021, April 29). Loneliness and social isolation linked to serious health conditions. https://www.cdc.gov/aging/publications/features/lonely-older-adults.html

Iwuagwu, A., Okah, P., Nnama-Okechukwu, C., Chukwu, N., Agha, A., Anazonwu, N., Onalu, C., & Okoye, U. (2023). Barriers to social inclusion among older adults with disabilities in IMO state, Nigeria: A descriptive phenomenological inquiry. Scandinavian Journal of Disability Research, 25(1), 132–146. https://doi.org/10.16993/sjdr.997

World Bank. (2024). Social inclusion. https://www.worldbank.org/en/topic/social-inclusion