Community Development Intervention Plan for Loneliness among Elders

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