Social Isolation of Older Adults: Strategies to Bolster Health and Well-Being (Critical Topics in an Aging Society) - Softcover

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0826146988 ISBN 13: 9780826146984

Publisher: Springer Publishing Company, 2018

Synopsis

Critical strategies for confronting a dire, yet under-addressed societal epidemic―the risky and potentially deadly consequences for older adults living a socially isolated life, are the focus for this book. By documenting our current understanding of the complex and multi-dimensional nature of social isolation among elders, the authors highlight innovative and alternative forms of community and later-life relationships that can serve to forestall or prevent social isolation and loneliness.

With contributions from recognized scholars, clinicians, and elder-policy activists, as well as from multiple practice perspectives (direct service providers, administrators, researchers, and educators) the book documents the interrelated issues of social relationships and health in late life. It describes creative programs and intervention techniques that help maintain the integrity of an older adult’s individual, group, and community relations, communication pathways, and a sense of belonging. The book also illuminates multidisciplinary and integrated best practices for minimizing the risk of late life social isolation. Case studies showcase the issues that arise in clinical practice and service delivery and demonstrate proven methods for effectively addressing them.

Key Features:

• Delivers best-practice strategies and interventions for bolstering older adult social health and community engagement
• Written by top scholars in the gerontology community
• Explores the life-threatening risks and consequences of social isolation for older adults and their families
• Describes the wide range of social relationships that can determine the extent to which older adults will be at risk of becoming socially isolated
• Considers the role that older adult diversity and difference plays in determining quality of life and the integrity of relationships
• Highlights physical, behavioral, environmental, social, and economic forces that can influence the quality of late life relationships

About this title

About the Authors

Lenard W. Kaye, DSW, PhD, is professor of social work at the University of Maine School of Social Work and Director of the University of Maine Center on Aging.

Clifford M. Singer, MD, serves as chief of geriatric mental health and neuropsychiatry at Acadia Hospital and Eastern Maine Medical Center (EMMC) in Bangor, Maine and an adjunct professor at the University of Maine.

Edition details

• Publisher: Springer Publishing Company
• Publication date: 2018
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0826146988
• ISBN 13: 9780826146984
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 305
• Editor: Kaye DSW PhD Lenard W., Singer MD Cliff