The relation between social isolation and increasing suicide rates in the elderly

Heuser, C.; Howe, Jürgen

doi:10.1108/qaoa-06-2018-0026

Cited by 28 publications

(16 citation statements)

References 19 publications

(43 reference statements)

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“…This explanation corresponds with empirical evidence, namely that divorced, separated, widowed, or persons who were never married are at higher risk of suicide mortality [ 20 , 39 ]. Other groups with less social integration and more isolation, such as the elderly [ 55 ], or those less engaged in religious practices [ 56 ], are also prone to suicide [ 50 ].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Inequalities of Suicide Mortality across Urban and Rural Areas: A Literature Review

Casant

Helbich

2022

IJERPH

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Suicide mortality is a major contributor to premature death, with geographic variation in suicide rates. Why suicide rates differ across urban and rural areas has not yet been fully established. We conducted a literature review describing the urban–rural disparities in suicide mortality. Articles were searched in five databases (EMBASE, PubMed, PsychINFO, Scopus, and Web of Science) from inception till 26 May 2021. Eligible studies were narratively analyzed in terms of the urban–rural disparities in suicides, different suicide methods, and suicide trends over time. In total, 24 articles were included in our review. Most studies were ecological and cross-sectional evidence tentatively suggests higher suicide rates in rural than in urban areas. Men were more at risk by rurality than women, but suicide is in general more prevalent among men. No obvious urban–rural pattern emerged regarding suicide means or urban–rural changes over time. Potential suicidogenic explanations include social isolation, easier access to lethal means, stigmatization toward people with mental health problems, and reduced supply of mental health services. For research progress, we urge, first, individual-level cohort and case-control studies in different sociocultural settings. Second, both rurality and urbanicity are multifaceted concepts that are inadequately captured by oversimplified typologies and require detailed assessments of the sociophysical residential environment.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Inequalities of Suicide Mortality across Urban and Rural Areas: A Literature Review

Casant

Helbich

2022

IJERPH

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“…The COVID-19 pandemic has revealed the vulnerability of elderly people and the lack of social mechanisms to prevent their social isolation and unwanted loneliness as a result of the confinement. The perception of aging among the people over 65 years old is usually associated to loneliness [ 1 ], one of the most widespread and relevant issues among this age group along with social isolation [ 2 ]. The confinement has intensified this perception, becoming a public health concern [ 3 ] and drawing attention from media and governments [ 4 ].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

The Enabling Role of ICT to Mitigate the Negative Effects of Emotional and Social Loneliness of the Elderly during COVID-19 Pandemic

Barroso

Kolotouchkina

Viniegra

2021

IJERPH

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(1) Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has been especially hard on the elderly owing to their particular vulnerability to the virus. Their confinement to prevent the spread of the virus resulted in social isolation, often linked to the unwanted loneliness that hinders their emotional well-being. The enabling capacity of ICT (Information and Communication Technology) to overcome the negative effects of this isolation requires special attention. The purpose of this research is to understand the impact of the use of ICT on the emotional well-being of elderly people during their confinement. (2) Methods: A qualitative exploration method based on four focus groups with elderly people aged 60 years or older and three in-depth personal interviews with experts in education of the elderly were carried out. (3) Results: Research results evidence a negative emotional impact of the confinement (lack of physical contact with their loved ones, fear and uncertainty, feeling of loneliness, sadness at the loss of family members) on the emotional well-being of study participants. Furthermore, the operational capacity of ICT to prevent infection, as well as their positive emotional and humanizing role in providing access to entertainment and hobbies, and in improving self-esteem was also acknowledged. (4) Conclusions: ICT have become a valuable ally for elderly people aged 60 years and older to mitigate the negative effects of social isolation and loneliness imposed by the confinement.

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“…Research has found that suicide and suicidal ideation are another consequence of social isolation in the elderly (Heuser and Howe 2019;Hong 2017;Kwon et al 2018). Suicidal ideation can be especially prevalent in people who feel isolated after the death of a spouse in older age (Bock and Webber 1972).…”

Section: The Consequences Of Isolationmentioning

confidence: 99%

Social Isolation in the Elderly, Global Presence, Consequences, and Possible Solutions

Preston

Halpin

2020

The Palgrave Encyclopedia of Critical Perspectives on Mental Health

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Social isolation is a growing problem for the elderly. Social isolation can be either subjective or objective. Objective isolation is defined by the social connections a person has, consisting of regular interactions with friends, family members, colleagues, or acquaintances. Subjective isolation is the experience of isolation, including feelings of loneliness and can manifest regardless of quantity of social connections. After defining isolation, this chapter reviews the causes and consequences of social isolation, including physical and mental illness, suicide, and substance use. The chapter also details how technology might alleviate isolation. We provide a review of the prevalence of social isolation in elderly populations in North America, Europe, Japan, and South Africa. The chapter concludes by reviewing potential solutions for isolation (i.e., social prescribing and community engagement, youth mentorship, social media, nonhuman companionship, and resiliency).

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The relation between social isolation and increasing suicide rates in the elderly

Cited by 28 publications

References 19 publications

Inequalities of Suicide Mortality across Urban and Rural Areas: A Literature Review

Inequalities of Suicide Mortality across Urban and Rural Areas: A Literature Review

The Enabling Role of ICT to Mitigate the Negative Effects of Emotional and Social Loneliness of the Elderly during COVID-19 Pandemic

Social Isolation in the Elderly, Global Presence, Consequences, and Possible Solutions

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