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

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.

Keywords: chronic disease; older adults; qualitative research; social isolation.

Figure 1

Themes and subthemes based on biopsychosocial modeling.