Social isolation is a growing public health

Social isolation means the lack of social contacts. It is characterized by few relationships with other people, as well as little involvement in social organizations. 

Studies have shown that social isolation is painful to older people and linked with :

• Health risks
• Chronic conditions
• Functional impairment
• Worse mental and cognitive health, as well as an
• Increase in premature and all-cause mortality

In general, a lot of factors are associated who are socially isolated.  Among them are as follows:

• Health problems
• Retirement
• The break with support networks and friends
• Economic constraints and the death of partners and friends

During the isolation process, low levels of physical activity and the inadequate intake of fruit and vegetables are important risk factors for health.  It has been seen among older people not only their health but overall health gets deteriorated -- physical health, mental health, physical functioning and cognitive health. 

According to Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) countries, 57.1% of adults consume fruit and 59.6% have vegetables in their diet on a daily basis, but there are significant differences between the daily intake of fruit and vegetables.

Social isolation is a disease.  Mainly the isolation captures three distinct periods of the life course [pre-retirement, post-retirement and oldest age] that might influence physical activity and dietary behaviours. 

Whenever we are talking about physical activity, divides into moderate and vigorous physical activity.  

Social isolation can be designed on a model.  It is based on conditions like:

• Not living with a partner
• Not belonging to any organisations, clubs or religious groups
• Having less than monthly contact with friends, family or children

Mental health is also a factor of isolation.  It can be assessed by feelings of depression, pessimism, wishing death, guilt, irritability, tearfulness, fatigue, sleeping troubles, loss of interest, loss of appetite, reduction in concentration, and loss of enjoyment over a month or so. 

The social isolation of older adults is a growing public health concern, as it has been associated with poor health and premature mortality.  It is an analysis of the relationship between social isolation and physical inactivity and the non-consumption of fruit or vegetables every day.

One must take into account the content and functions of social exchanges otherwise an individual becomes isolated which makes them vulnerable in terms of health problems.  Social relationships have three main functions -- social integration, social support and companionship.

It is important to imply pleasant interactions and joint activities with others that create well-being. According to the WHO (World Health Organization), physical inactivity and an unhealthy diet are two of the four main behavioural risk factors for non-communicable diseases. 

It has been found that social isolation is associated with physical inactivity and an inadequate diet in the population aged 50 plus.   Several factors that can be evaluated of social isolation based on:

• Age
• Sex
• Education
• Income
• Physical and mental health
• Excessive alcohol consumption
• Having ever smoked
• Calculation of doctor’s appointments over a month
• Non-consumption of fruit or vegetables every day
• Insufficient physical activity also has a negative effect on mental health and quality of life.

It has been witnessed that socially isolated individuals are more prone to be physically inactive and to consume less fruit or vegetables on a daily basis compared with non-isolated ones.

Therefore, older people, their families, social and medical institutions, healthcare professionals and country policymakers should be aware of physical inactivity and for that reason, in an ageing society healthy behaviours are of the utmost importance.

Thus, it is important to frame a policy that should counter social isolation.  Moreover, there should be an opportunity for social interaction by engaging in physical activity and having a balanced diet.  More age-friendly environments are required to tackle social isolation among older individuals.

Considering the importance, it is imperative there should be research on examining the possible relationship between social isolation and the above-mentioned health risk behaviours of middle-aged and older adults.  This result should reinforce the importance of social and health policies targeting highly socially isolated among older people.