Interventions to reduce the negative impact of ageing, social isolation, and loneliness on the health and well-being of elderlies in Thailand and India

Abstract

This article aims to relate the impact of ageing, social isolation, or loneliness on the health and well-being of elderlies in Thailand and India, and measures of intervention through social care and integration to reduce the negative impact while promoting participation to lead to active and healthy ageing among ageing elderlies. Qualitative data were obtained through in-depth interview questions from 24 participants, 80 years and above, 12 each from Imphal City of Manipur State, India, and Nakhon Pathom Province of Thailand. The city or province of the study was selected according to the convenience of the researchers. In-depth interviews with key informants, including 4 administrators from India and Thailand, were also conducted. The analysis of the collected data found intervention activities, individually as well as in groups, such as networking with the local people, the establishment of an elderly school which is needed to be taken up by family and society for bringing productive and active ageing. As loneliness or isolation, due to immobility and fewer social contacts, has impacted the health, and longevity of elderlies, the study discusses a wide range of intervention strategies consisting of social facilitation, community approach, socio-religious engagement, health, and social care. This study has concluded with the need for organized appropriate long-term intervention strategies to create meaningful social contacts and connections, for loneliness and social isolation in the life of the elderly is not a phenomenon that can be ignored any longer as it has many impacts on the quality of life of the ageing population.

Promoting the Wellness of Older Adults through Integrated Health-Promoting Programs and Supportive Peers: A Quasi-Experimental Study in Semi-Urban Communities of Northeastern Thailand

“…Older adults who were educated, had sufficient income, had less morbidity, and were socially-bounded were more likely to engage in activities outside the home than the home-bounded people, who often relied on others when traveling and spent most of their time resting and sleeping. 26 , 27 , 38 , 51 , 52 …”

“…Most intervention programs developed by researchers focus on increasing the knowledge and developing the skills of family caregivers, such as by providing information, skills training, and home visits. 24 - 27 These studies have used theories and concepts such as the Transitional Care Model, Orem’s Self Care Deficit Nursing Theory, and the Chronic Care Model. 28 - 30 The limitations of the programs presented in related studies may stem from their focus on the individual level, for example, family caregivers, rather than the family and community system, including the whole family as a unit.…”

Demographic related quality of life of the aging population in Thailand

“…[28][29][30] It also examines the prevalence and consequences of social isolation and loneliness among older adults in Thailand. [31][32][33][34] Studies focusing on personal factors associated with the QoL of the elderly in Thailand remain limited.…”