Volume : 2, Issue : 12, December - 2013

Loneliness and Old Age : critical clinical issues

Dr. Avinash De Sousa

Abstract :

Loneliness is a major problem in old age. Levels of loneliness are relatively stable across most of old age, but correlates of loneliness show differences. We review the data available on loneliness in old age and its effects on health behaviors, stress exposure, physiological stress responses, appraisal, coping, and restorative processes. The effects of each of these pathways endow loneliness with the capacity to accelerate the rate of physiological decline with age. Additional research across the lifespan is required to understand the nature of accrued loneliness effects on health behavior and physiology in the short and long term. The review suggests that educational and social activity group interventions that target specific groups can alleviate social isolation and loneliness among older people. Managing loneliness in the elderly will reduce psychological and physical morbidity to large extent in this population