Work

Experiences of Social Isolation in Older Adults with Chronic Diseases: A Qualitative Study Based on Patients’ Perspectives

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Objective: This study aimed to understand the causes of social isolation among older adults with chronic diseases. Methods: In-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted with 20 older adults with chronic diseases, and thematic and interpretative phenomenological analyses were used in order to fully understand the psychosocial and behavioral changes following diagnosis. Results: People with severe social isolation described their life journeys after falling ill, and potential influencing factors for social isolation were identified. We identified three themes across biology, psychology, and sociology: declining and imbalanced physiology, negative psychosocial feelings, and unmet relational needs. The biological aspect includes symptom distress, functional disorder, and treatment confinement. The psychological aspect includes emotional stress, feelings of guilt, and stigmatization. The sociological aspect includes meaningless socialization, a lack of confiding relationships, a lack of social support, and the deterioration of the social environment. Conclusions: Better identifying the factors and needs that affect social isolation among this population will be invaluable for healthcare professionals and researchers.

Source: Healthcare

DOI: 10.3390/healthcare13080902

Authors: Yuqin Jiang, Zhongsu Shi, Annuo Liu

Institution: Anhui Medical University

Language: English

Topic: Aging, Health, and Disability

Subfield: Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,258