Research on Loneliness and Isolation in Older Adults in England

This research project investigates the impact of loneliness and isolation on adults aged 65 and over in England. The introduction highlights the significance of these issues, emphasizing their adverse effects on the well-being of this population group. The literature review explores key concepts, theories, and existing evidence regarding loneliness, isolation, and their impact on health, including mental and physical health problems. The report delves into methodological perspectives, ethical considerations, and research findings, analyzing the causes of loneliness and isolation, their effects on psychological well-being, and the effectiveness of interventions by the Health Department of England. The discussion and findings section presents a critical analysis of the research, including the causes of loneliness and isolation, the difference between loneliness and isolation, and the interventions taken by the Health Department of England. The conclusion summarizes the key findings and offers recommendations for local authorities on supporting initiatives to promote healthy living in adults over 65. The references section provides a list of the sources used in the research.

Research Project

Table of Contents
TASK 2............................................................................................................................................3
Introduction .................................................................................................................................3
Literature review..........................................................................................................................4
Methodological perspectives.......................................................................................................8
Ethical consideration....................................................................................................................9
Discussion and Findings..............................................................................................................9
Conclusion and key recommendations......................................................................................24
REFERENCES..............................................................................................................................26
.......................................................................................................................................................27

TASK 2
Introduction
Loneliness and isolation are considered as two main issues today, that are faced by adults
of age over 65 years. Being alone or feeling of distraction from family members and society
ones, becomes a threat to survival of this population group (Kelly and et. al, 2019). It affects
well-being state of persons and adversely impact on their physical and mental state. The most
important factors in England, which increases people with loneliness of age 65 and above,
include health & disability, death of life partner, living alone and growing age. This would have
gained the attention of England towards mentioned vulnerable community as social problem (La
Placa and Oham, 2019). A research is therefore, going to be conducted for exploring the impact
of these chronic conditions (loneliness & isolation) over adults of age 65 and above. For this
purpose, a number of objectives with specific aim are made, which are then further evaluated
through number of primary and secondary resources.
Purpose of study
The main purpose of present research is to identify the impact of loneliness and isolation
on old-age people health. This would help in analysing how much older adults are at risk to feel
isolated and lonely, including reasons behind same, so that effective measures can be taken to
reduce ever growing population of such people (Kemperman and et. al., 2019). Through this
research, effectiveness of care and support initiatives taken by England could be analysed, for
promoting the quality of live in adults of 65’s and above.
Research aim:
The aim of given study is “To determine the impact of loneliness and isolation over
65 years through different databases health behaviour like smoking, obesity”.
Research objectives:
 To explore the cause(s) of loneliness in adults aged over 65 in England
 To determine how loneliness and isolation affects the psychological well-being of adults
over 65 in England
 To conduct primary and secondary research in loneliness and isolation that impact on
adults aged over 65 in England

 To make recommendations to the local authority on how best to support initiatives for
promoting healthy living in adults over 65’s in England
Research questions
 Is the high prevalence of loneliness and isolation in adults over 65 in England major
cause of self-neglect and poor health?
 What is the difference between loneliness and isolation?
 What evidence exists between isolation, loneliness and health?
 What type of health problems can cause loneliness and isolation especially in adults aged
over 65?
 What Health Department of England is doing to offer support to those lonely and isolated
adults over 65?
Limitations of study
Adults of age 65 and above, are at higher risk in England of being isolated and lonely,
which adversely affect their health and well-being state of mind. To promote healthy life of this
vulnerable community (Neves, Sanders and Kokanović, 2019). Non-profitable national charity of
this nation has run a number of campaigns and also provided a telephone be-friending services,
where such people can call for getting advice to overcome from loneliness and isolated type of
issues. As this research is concerned only on adult aged people for analysing the issues and
factors related with loneliness and isolations, therefore, it shows the major limitation of research
outcomes.
Literature review
Determining the impact of loneliness and isolation kinds of social issues in England,
assists researchers to explore a number of articles, published and non-published reports including
the statistical data (Gann, 2019). For this purpose, authenticate websites are utilised for gathering
information on given topic, that will help in addressing research objectives and obtaining desired
outcomes, in ethical way.
Overview of main theories
Concept of loneliness and isolation
As per views of Newall and Menec (2019), it has been analysed that today, the main
problem that people at old age face are loneliness and isolation. In England, over 12 million
people of age over 65 and above are suffered from the same. Due to lack of interaction with

family members, relatives and society members, they feel more-lonely that highly impact on
their well-beings. But before identifying social and other causes, which develop such kind of
social issues, it is essential to differentiate both concepts viz. loneliness and isolation (Isolation
and Loneliness: What’s the Difference?, 2019). The term isolation refers to a state where a
person has little or no social interaction with surrounding people. It may occur at any stage of life
either for long-term or short-term, therefore, it is categorised as distinctly physical state. It
includes characteristics like avoidance of social interaction, refuse to make inter-personal
conversation, stay at home for longer period and more. All these factors cause negative
emotional effects that increase sadness, loneliness and restlessness in a person. Therefore, it has
been analysed that isolation generate loneliness because when people find themselves as socially
isolated then its generate mental health issue like social anxiety. In such condition, it has been
said that isolation is a physical state, but in case of isolation it is emotional one, which can be
defined as feeling of separation from loved ones due to breakups, divorce, death of spouse,
moving on a new place and more. Thus, in such case of isolation, people can be accompanied
with anxiety, depression, phobias and many addictions. Taking an example of a person, who is
experience bullying at a workplace regularly, so, in such case, feeling of depression and
loneliness is surely be generated. Similarly, when a person lives alone for longer period due to
work related purpose or other reasons, then, in such scenario, they may get hard time for being
engaged in social interaction. This would arise isolation in them when they deal with loneliness.
Thus, from all over discussion, isolation and loneliness are two different issues but may occur
simultaneously. In case of adult of above 65+, such people face various diseases also which
caused due to isolation.
Evidence exists between isolation, loneliness and health
According to Cohen-Mansfield and et. al. (2016), it has been evaluated that people at the
old age are especially vulnerable for being isolated and loneliness, due to less social interaction,
getting older, death of spouse and more. This would highly effect their health in negative way
which sometime become threat for their long-time survival and causes death. Therefore, both
aspects viz. isolation and loneliness, when remained for prolonged period, then it leads to causes
a number of health problems. In case of older people over 65 age, there are number of symptoms
present, that arise mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, bipolar, Posttraumatic stress
(PTSD), borderline personality and more. Loneliness / isolation at initial period shows signs of

mental health issue, like abusive behaviour with family and other known persons, eating
disorder, depression and more, which might affect their relationship with others. Along with this,
risk taking behaviour, increased level of stress, smoking and drinking behaviour etc. are some
health symptoms that shows occurrence of isolation or loneliness type of social problems.
Loneliness and isolation in UK over 65 years, has been continuously increasing for the last
decades. The local authorities of this nation, including health and social care providers, NGOs
and more, has put attention on the serious causes of this, which affect the physical and mental
health as well as increase the public cost to the economy.
Health problems caused by loneliness and isolation especially in adult-aged population over
65’s
Isolation and loneliness are responsible for developing various types of health problem
among people. As mentioned by Crizzle and et. al. (2017), it includes the number of physical and
mental condition related to health such as high blood pressure, heart disease, obesity, weakened
immune system, anxiety, depression, cognitive decline, Alzheimer's disease and even death of an
individual. Basically, it involves various circumstances which develop condition of separation
and create specific health issue for a person. However, it consist several situations like death of
partner or spouse, retirement, loss of mobility, separation form fiends & family members and
lack of transportation which are mostly at risk of occurring health problem related to isolation. It
consist the situation when a person feel lonely and separated from others then it will impact
negatively on their physical as well as psychological health condition. It is necessary for family
members of old people to support them for avoiding condition of isolation. In addition to this,
many times citizens are not able to interact socially which also develop loneliness in their life.
On the other hand, there are various kinds of health problems that are cause by isolation
& loneliness in which some of them are much severe. Yu and et. al. (2020) states that it includes
suicide & depression, cardiovascular disease & stroke, increased level of stress, reduced learning
& memory, antisocial behaviour, poor decision making, drug abuse & alcoholism, the
progression of Alzheimer's disease and altered brain function. This is mostly observed in old age
people then their family members should take care of them and immediately consult with a
registered physician of notices any relevant sign. It has been analysed that around 1.2 million old
people are chronically lonely in the country. However, half million of old people go at least five
or six days without seeing or speaking with anyone. It includes number of symptoms such as

feeling foggy or unable to focus, interrupted sleep, insomnia or another sleeping problem,
declined appetite, hopelessness, worthlessness or feeling of self doubt, body ache & pains,
feelings of restlessness or anxiousness, enhanced shopping, improved desire to binge-watch
movies or shows. Cravings for physical worth like baths hot drinks, or cosy clothes & blankets
and reduced energy level.
Interventions taken by Health Department of England
The health department of given country is required to take effective steps for reducing the
problem of isolation and loneliness to avoid relevant health issues. As per views given by Hallisy
(2018), it includes the intervention of providing guidelines for citizens to avoid this problem.
Initially, it includes to recognise that loneliness is a symptom about something needs to be
change in life of an individual. Secondly, it is necessary to understand the impact of isolation in
life of person in both physical and psychological manner. Thirdly, it consist to get involved in
those activities in which a person is most interest to do like meting friends and social
interactions. However, it is essential to focus on developing quality relationships with other
people who share same interest, attitudes and values with an individual. In addition to this,
remain aware about signs shown by family and friends to take immediate steps which helps to
avoid relevant health problem through overcoming with the same.
The social interaction get reduced in life of people living with age of 65+ years which is
responsible for creating problem for them. In context of Health department of England, it is
necessary for them work on improving social interaction among people. According to Lara and
et. al. (2019), they can utilise the strategy of encouraging citizens to make healthier choices for
achieving positive long terms behaviour change which helps to avoid condition of isolation.
However, the health promotion campaign should be organised by government to make people
aware to take care of their alders with old age to communicate and discuss various aspects of life
on regular basis, it is helpful to make them feel involved and eliminate the factor of loneliness
effectively. The another intervention is to establish social interaction centres for older people
where they can share their views and conducting social activities that is supportive to remove
isolation as well as relevant health problems.
Critical discussion

Methodological perspectives
This method in a research refers to be the most accurate strategy, under which to conduct
the study, two main methods that are qualitative and quantitative used. The qualitative method
used by researchers to non-numerical data for the research purpose, for example interviews, case
study, observations. Quantitative research is numerical research, for example researchers collect
data and then transform it into numeric form (Wister and et. al., 2020). Normally, the researcher
follows the quantitative for the research objective as the researcher will collect from samples
respondents and then will convert in numeric form. The researcher will not follow qualitative
methods because it depends on adaptation and analytical skill of the researcher preferably than
taking an objective view of the research.
Research design is required to be used because it consist the set of research technique and
methods that are much suitable to carry out entire study. In context of given investigation, the
descriptive research design will be considered which is helpful to solely described about
specific situation or case relevant to the study. It can be known as method which is theory based
and developed through collecting, analysing and presenting the gathered information
accordingly. This method is utilised because it is responsible for providing insights and the
research including the factor of why and how of investigation. Moreover, descriptive design is
prefer because of its effectiveness to gain better understanding about impact of isolation and
loneliness on people with age of 65+ years.
Research approach can be described as a plan of action or process to be followed
containing desired steps of broad assumptions regarding detailed methods of data collection,
analysis and interpretation (Rokach, 2019). It includes number of approach in which suitable one
option should be selected to be used by researcher according to their topic or problem statement
of study. The deductive approach will be used which make an investigator capable to reason
from generic to specific. In addition to this, it is more effective as well as efficient to conduct
proper study about effects of isolation and loneliness in old age people to gain appropriate
findings.
Research philosophy refers to an effective way of gathering the relevant information
among with conducting its use and analysis respectively. It involves the utilisation of appropriate
philosophy in order to conduct study in detailed manner through discussing about the topic.
Meanwhile, this investigation will focus on positivism which is based on the believe that reality

is stable which can be observed as well as described viewpoints to conduct study about specific
problem. Moreover, it involves the criterion of manipulation with different types of variations in
only a single independent variable so as to determine regularities in along with forming relations
among some of constituent elements of society.
Data collection method can be defined as refers to way of gathering information about
specific topic of study to carry out proper study of relevant facts and figures. It includes two
methods such as primary and secondary data collection which are used in this research.
However, the primary methods of data collection includes survey, interview, questionnaire etc. in
which the process of questionnaire is utilised to gain views of people (Brown, Gallagher and
Creaven, 2018). In addition to this, secondary resources are used for data collection to carry out
effective literature review with the help of preferring books, journals, article and so on.
Moreover, both data collection methods are use to gather and analyse gathered information.
Sampling method can be described a way of conducting recruitment of participants by
following inclusion criterion to conduct entire study properly. It includes to selected respondents
who are suitable to involve in carrying out investigation to gain appropriate findings. Meanwhile,
this investigation will focus on random sampling in which the individual were selected
randomly for participate in process of study. In respect of this research, the healthcare
professionals are selected in group of 30 to gather relevant information.
Ethical consideration
Ethical principles consist to use legal and ethical rules while conducting process of
investigation. It includes the criterion of providing proper information about process of study to
participants before selecting them. However, the researcher should not use confidential or
personal information of any organisation or an individual without their permission (Gomez-
Bernal and et. al., 2019). In addition to this, the given study will focus on all the ethical
principles like confidentiality, trustworthiness, justice and autonomy.
Discussion and Findings
Questionnaire
Questionnaire
Q1. Do you about the concept of isolation and loneliness? Yes

 No
Q2. What are the symptoms of isolation and loneliness? Insomnia Hopelessness Feeling foggy Body ache & pains
Q3. What are the reasons behind occurring the situation of isolation and loneliness in people
with age above 65 years? Retirement Death of partner or spouse, Loss of mobility Separation from friends & family
Q4. According to you, either psychological or physical health problems occur with people
facing isolation & loneliness? Psychological health issues Physical health problems Both of the above
Q5. How often people feel lonely when they acquire severe medical condition? Almost every day Twice a week A few times in a month
Q6. As per your views, which technique become more effective to improve condition of
patient feeling loneliness? Seeing a friend Talking to a family member Receiving thoughtful message Meeting with special one
Q7. What are health problems which mostly observed among people facing isolation and
loneliness in age above 65 years? High blood pressure Weakened immune system

 Anxiety & depression Cognitive decline
Q8. According to you, what are the severe medical conditions that are caused by isolation and
loneliness? Suicide & depression Cardiovascular disease & stroke Reduced learning & memory Drug abuse & alcoholism Progression of Alzheimer's disease
Q9. What is the roles of care professional in reducing the cases related to isolation among
people above 65 years of age? Encourage healthy lifestyle Take clinical action quickly Improve independence of patient through treatment
Q10. How the government can support to solve the problem of isolation and loneliness
among people of above 65 years age? Establish centres for social interactions Organise interesting programs Promote health services
Q11. Any recommendations for future study.

Frequency table
Q1. Do you about the concept of isolation and loneliness? Frequency Yes 25 No 5
Q2. What are the symptoms of isolation and loneliness? Frequency Insomnia 5 Hopelessness 10 Feeling foggy 5 Body ache & pains 10
Q3. What are the reasons behind occurring the situation of isolation and
loneliness in people with age above 65 years?
Frequency
 Retirement 5 Death of partner or spouse 15 Loss of mobility 5 Separation from friends & family 5
Q4. According to you, either psychological or physical health problems occur
with people facing isolation & loneliness?
Frequency
 Psychological health issues 15 Physical health problems 10 Both of the above 5
Q5. How often people feel lonely when they acquire severe medical condition? Frequency Almost every day 10 Twice a week 15 A few times in a month 5
Q6. As per your views, which technique become more effective to improve Frequency