Keywords
Social Connection
Loneliness
Social Networks
Abstract
Towards the end of his life, even the very robust Aristotle suffered isolation. Social isolation increases the risk of various diseases, such as high blood pressure, depression and dementia, and it tends to increase with age. Isolation results from diminished contacts and connectedness due to changed circumstances. There are three vital components of social connection: structure, the number and variety of relationships; function, the degree to which relationships serve various needs; and quality, the positive and negative aspects of relationship interactions. The specific objectives were to analyze the structure of connectedness in the study site, assess the function component of connectedness and finally, determine the quality component of connectedness as a reflection on isolation. Applying narrative interviewing and narrative analysis on data from persons seventy years old and above, the research found that elderly persons experienced significantly reduced frequency of interaction with others. Religious and other social groups, such as those informally formed in market centers and/or around residences, were most useful to the elderly population for connectedness and avoidance of isolation. In terms of quality, again, family and faith groups remained the most instrumental for the elderly. It was concluded that unless specific policy interventions are put in place, many elderly persons in Kaloleni run the risk of isolation-related complications such as mental problems. It was recommended that specific local authority agencies be tasked with the responsibility of facilitating and ensuring the continued inclusion of the elderly in meaningful social interactions in their spaces and contexts.
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