Address the social isolation of seniors

IT is projected that by 2020, the Malaysian population will reach 34.3 million. About 2.4 million, or 7%, of this total population will be aged 65 and above. We are fast becoming an ageing nation. It is appropriate, therefore, that we show an increasing interest, concern and care for our seniors or the elderly.

One critical issue facing seniors is loneliness and social isolation. Numerous studies have been carried out on the impact of loneliness and social isolation on the health, well-being and mortality of seniors. While there is strong evidence linking social isolation with poor health, there aren’t many findings on whether social participation can improve health or reverse the effect of isolation.