Effects of Social Isolation on the Elderly Living at Home

Abstract

Aging of the population has led to a significant increase in the number of elderly people living alone, thereby increasing their exposure to social isolation. Social isolation is increasingly recognized as a significant public health issue in later life given its established association with poor cognitive, psychological and physical health and higher healthcare use. The purpose of the study was to compare social isolation’s effects on older adults living at home in order to evaluate its impact on cognitive, health care utilization and health outcomes while building awareness amongst families and the general public. The research was conducted in literature review. Eligible studies were identified from CINAHL, Medline and PubMed databases according to pre-specified inclusion and exclusion criteria. Full text, peer-reviewed, English studies published between 2015 and 2025 were included. The data was analyzed by both authors with inductive content analysis, meaning that findings were coded, categorized and synthesized into themes and sub-themes. The social isolation had largely detrimental consequences on home-dwelling elderly persons. Cognitive dysfunction, higher chances of cognitive decline and dementia mediated by depressive symptoms. Social isolation was also correlated with greater healthcare use, particularly more general practitioner and emergency visits. In addition, worse general health, increased mental health conditions and physical frailty as well as a lower quality of life and higher risk of death were found. Finally, social isolation emerged as a significant factor in independent living older adult’s health. Results underscore the importance of early detection, community-based interventions and inclusion of social support as a part of health care services to prevent negative consequences like loneliness due to social isolation and ensure healthy ageing in place.