The impact of isolation and loneliness on elderly well-being

Abstract

This thesis aims to deepen the knowledge and the understanding about the phenomena isolation and loneliness, and to shed additional light on the impact of isolation and loneliness in relation to elderly people, in order to promote elderly people’s well-being.

A qualitative approach was applied in the thesis and content analysis was undertaken. Data analysis began with reviewing literature repeatedly to acquire themes by highlighting the accurate content meaning. Four themes were acquired after the analysis process: isolation effect, loneliness effect, well-being concerning social isolation and loneliness, intervention and prevention.

The main results of this thesis show connections between social isolation and the elderly well-being, as well as between loneliness and the elderly well-being. As such, social isolation and loneliness arise from interaction; proper intervention and prevention have positive effects on alleviating social isolation and loneliness as well as enhancing well-being among the elderly.