The effect of social isolation
Seniors lobby group, COTA Australia, will launch its paper on Social Isolation: Its Impact on the Mental Health and Wellbeing of Older Victorians this Wednesday.
Dr Cathy Mead, chair of COTA’s Policy Council will launch the report. For more than 20 years Dr Mead was involved in the coordination of public health policy across Commonwealth and state governments.
COTA Victoria began this work with the question: ‘Do current policies affecting older people, both at federal and state level, create greater risks of social isolation and mental health issues for older people?’
There is limited data on the proportion of older people in Australia who experience social isolation.
One study found 7% of people over the age of 65 years reported severe loneliness, with higher levels of loneliness reported by people who are single, live alone and whose self reported health was poor.
The paper outlines research that shows being socially isolated can affect mental health and increase the risk of mental illnesses such as dementia, depression and anxiety.
COTA Victoria argues that maintaining opportunities for social participation should be a key factor when policy affecting older people is framed, and an age friendly community where older people are able to stay connected is urgently required.
