Community Development Intervention Plan for Loneliness among Elders

This paper discusses the issue of loneliness among elders in Australia and proposes a community development intervention plan to address it. It emphasizes on the elderly people in Australia bound to their homes in the more rural areas of the local community.

Running head: LONELINESS AMONG ELDERS 1
Community Development Intervention Plan for Loneliness among Elders Paper
Student Name
Institution

LONELINESS AMONG ELDERS 2
Community Development Intervention Plan for Loneliness among Elders in Australia
1. Section 1
1.1. Introduction
Social interactions are recognized as vital for human emotional development. Conversely,
a majority still do not comprehend the probability that these relations are not merely a biological
prerequisite, but also important in human existence and physical health. As a matter of fact,
loneliness is currently known to have such negative impacts that it is often used as a type of
torture and retribution. Regardless, many people in the global population still go through
consistent period of absolute loneliness. Similarly, while there are several community-based
intervention programs, such as those initiated by the Aged and Community Services Australia
(ACSA) (2015), whose participants believe in the promotion of public health policies that cater
to elderly Australians living in rural and metropolitan areas, there needs to be other community
development intervention plans that enable the choice, health, and improved livelihoods among
the older population in the country. This paper, therefore, emphasizes on the elderly people in
Australia bound to their homes in the more rural areas of the local community. Additionally, it
hopes to raise awareness on the issue of loneliness among the elderly, and result in a
comprehensive community development plan applicable in better community engagement for the
target population.
2. Section 2
2.1. Impact of Social Exclusion
2.1.1. Identify, and Explain the Issue. Why Does It Needs to be Addressed?
Even while there are several studies that have proven loneliness as one of the most
significant public concerns in the modern era, there is still not much evidence relating to the

LONELINESS AMONG ELDERS 3
potential of population-based approaches in curbing the epidemic (Goodman, Adams, & Swift,
2015). Several respondents in surveys who have experienced loneliness often reiterate the need
for community development plans that are not only reliable, but viable as well in the
development and sustenance of relational pathways, like, initial services, and a follow-up leading
to reintegration into the society (Backburn, 2013). However, in order to accomplish this, efficient
collaborations between key partners must first be established during framework integration, such
as, in partnerships and development programs led by local authorities (Steptoe, Shankar,
Demakakos, & Wardle, 2013). This issue of loneliness among elders in Australia, therefore,
needs to be addressed because it can ease the recurrence of loneliness as a potential source of
pain and anguish in the general public.
2.1.2. Impact of Political, Social, Gender, and Racial Inequality on the Elderly
There are certain inequalities that exist between the general and the older population, and
among the older people themselves. Several members of the elderly community are often left out
of chances of success, in resources distribution, and in securing decent kinds of work based on
their age, gender, economic status, political opinions, and race. In fact, several older persons in
the nations either work until they are no longer able to continue, or till they are required by the
civil administration to retire. They, thus, more often rely on family support to make ends meet, or
on pensions whenever available, which causes them to experience economic and social
discrimination, and exclusion. Certain legislations in the country also put bottlenecks on the
elderly’s access to income, their wealth, and right of entry to financial contracts and occupation,
simply because they are more commonly limited to one location, such as, retirement homes.
These ageist attitudes need to be eradicated through the proper promotion of equality at old age,

LONELINESS AMONG ELDERS 4
and the removal of practices that may limit social cohesion by impeding political, and social
involvement (Jolly, 2014).
2.1.3. Explain Reason for Selecting This Target Group?
Loneliness has become quite rampant among the elderly in a global setting, and is often
closely followed by adverse physical or mental health issues. Recent reviews showed the
existence of various health outcomes in relation to loneliness, such as, poor lifestyle,
cardiovascular ailments, depression, general poor health, high mortality, and impeded cognitive
functions. Similarly, lonely older persons also take part in little or no exercise, more frequent use
of tobacco, and are more likely to get checked into nursing homes, as compared to those who are
not as lonely. Loneliness, or other forms or social exclusion among the elderly, also result in
poor sleep, general exhaustion, and social disconnectedness (Scharlach, Lehning, & Graham,
2010).
2.1.4. Political, Social, Gender and Racial Issues to be Considered in this Intervention
Racism geared towards socially excluded groups greatly contributes towards their social
disadvantages, and general poor well-being. Among the elderly in Australia, it is often targeted
particularly to those with more social disadvantages, including poverty, environmental
segregation, poor educational background, and those with low English proficiency. Elders
belonging to the indigenous groups in the country thus face more segregation and racial
discrimination. Social segregation is also experienced by those who are uninsured, underinsured,
or those who do not fit in with the legally acknowledge gender profiles, either by barring them
from certain types of medication, or by deliberately excluding their access to certain routine
types of primary health care. Social disadvantage to access of intervention strategies also relates
to geographical and structural barriers experienced by elders living in the more rural areas of the

LONELINESS AMONG ELDERS 5
country. Hence, plans should be put in place to cater to the needs of all elderly persons, including
those who live in rural areas, those without much economic capital, or those that belong to the
Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Transsexual, Queer, Questioning, and 2-Spirit
(LGBTQ2S) Community (Scharlach, Graham, & Lehning, 2011).
2.2. Community Development Approaches Used
2.2.1. Various Community Development Approaches and their Philosophical Foundation
Community development initiatives increasingly target at the development and
maintenance of close, personal relationships through social media, the seeking out of genuine
individuals who the elderly may want to interact with in buddy programs, or the active
participation of the target population in social activities that may boost their physical well-being,
like, Tai Chi, or joining speed-walking groups (Litwin & Shiovitz-Ezra, 2011).
2.2.2. Relevant Ecological/Social Justice Factors
The most notable ecological aspect relevant to cases of isolation among elders is the
manner in which their immediate surroundings influence their ability to develop and sustain
meaningful social connections. For example, transportation and ease of walkability is
particularly crucial to an older person’s feelings of isolation because it determines their access to
health and social infrastructure. Forms of isolation could, inevitably, impede one’s social capital,
and result in loneliness, especially if the neighborhood itself is not keen on harnessing mutual
trust, backing and cohesion as an ecological resource (Rosenbloom, 2009).
2.2.3. Method and Type of Action Needed to Achieve Outcomes
The method of action relevant in attaining the desired reduction, or eradication of
loneliness among elders living in rural or metropolitan Australia is in the collective use of social
relationships, and in enabling the older people to feel their unique sense of identity and

LONELINESS AMONG ELDERS 6
involvement in the intervention action. The type of action should therefore focus on giving
multiple roles to those who have accepted social support, for instance, through the involvement
of elderly volunteers in charitable events, like, pet adoption programs (Holt-Lunstad, 2017).
2.3. Community Development Approach Used in the Intervention, and Why
2.3.1. Community Approach Chosen, Its Philosophical Foundation, and Why?
The community development plan proposed suggests the integration of different
environmental and social structural aspects that will positively impact the health and well-being
of older persons aged fifty and above. The first stage will entail the use of social media for those
who are physically restricted to their homes due to health reasons, the initiation of buddy-
programs with community volunteers to aid in transporting elders to their daily activities, and
organizing weekly visits to older persons in nursing homes without family members close by.
The reintegration will be more aggressive and will entail the formation of speed-walking or Tai
Chi groups among willing members, attendance and active involvement in community forums,
and the establishment of community recreational centers specific to the elderly (Charles &
Carstensen, 2010).
3. Section 3
3.1. CD Intervention Plan
Intervention plan is divided into two main categories: group focused activities involving
professional or volunteer support groups, or older person’s involvement in group social
activities, and community-based actions founded on village models, genuine intergenerational
communities, and the alteration of the ecological surrounding. Policy changes will also be
proposed to community stakeholders and researchers so as to establish the need for social
structures that do not impact cases of isolation. Policies will include campaigns to end loneliness,

LONELINESS AMONG ELDERS 7
or the promotion of buddy programs that help carry older citizens dealing with functional
hindrances to their desired destinations. The interventions, will also use technology on a one-on-
one basis to educate and promote the use of apps and the Internet in calling their loved ones, or
connecting with new friends on social media. Group interventions using technology may involve
virtual meeting centers, or the development of online platforms allowing them to hold group
discussions online. It is important to note that these intervention strategies will be selected
depending on the desired outcome, and the older person’s desire for quality relationships in their
social networks. The size of the relationships being formed will also vary, for example, those
willing to have a variety of new friends may use social media, while those who only want to
interact with their usual contacts may stick to other physical socially engaging activities, like,
fundraising events. Buddy programs will also be used to help build meaningful relationships
across people of different generations, and in teaching new socializing techniques with those that
have lower mobility (Gellis, 2010).

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