Download Factors Influencing Isolation and Social Connection in the Elderly: A Multisystem Approach and more Quizzes Family psychology in PDF only on Docsity! TERM 1 1 DEFINITION 1 Factors that influence the elderly in relation to the microsystem include feeling rejected, misunderstood or estranged from others. This can include losing social connections or lacking the appropriate social partners which increase healthy socialisation. These feelings can also arise from changes in family dynamics, such as moving to nursing homes or industrialised care, or family members moving a distance. This can result in sadness and fear TERM 2 2 DEFINITION 2 Factors that influence isolation in the meosystem include the interconnection of level of education and family. As a higher level of education is usually dependent on level of income, a family that does not have these funds will not be able to afford this. As a result, this can impact the degree to which an elderly individual feels isolated. TERM 3 3 DEFINITION 3 This can be attributed to the fact that those with a higher education have a broader economic, and intellectual and sociocultural understanding in comparison to those with low education levels. For this reason, they have more activities to participate in and have more social connections TERM 4 4 DEFINITION 4 Factors from the macrosystem that influence isolation in elderly centre around collectivist versus individualist cultures. (North & Fiske, 2015). Collectivist cultures embrace the elderly, and it is very common for them to live with their family. However, it is not as normal for Western cultures to look after their elderly relatives. TERM 5 5 DEFINITION 5 It is said that more ageism exists in Western cultures, and the elderly are not given the respect they deserve (Larden, 2016). As a result, feelings of isolation are heightened for Westerners, as nursing homes do not always provide this homely feeling that is wanted. TERM 6 6 DEFINITION 6 Factors that influence isolation in regard to the exosystem can be related to the lack of awareness of the problem. The lack of awareness results in the lack of initiatives, and this situation perpetuates. The current prevention efforts for elderly isolation are limited and uncoordinated and the management of these symptoms has been described as suboptimal. (Cockburn & Mayers, 2017). TERM 7 7 DEFINITION 7 Another factor relates to the lack of social opportunities available, as well as living in an unsupportive community. A study conducted by Goll et al. (2015) found that elderly men were unaware that social opportunities existed, and elderly women had a basic understanding of some services, but no specific knowledge. This results in more solitary time, furthering the feelings of loneliness TERM 8 8 DEFINITION 8 Microsystem- With reference to the Bronfenbrenner model, families find the aging process quite difficult emotionally, and can face a burdening effect if they feel they are not doing enough to help. Thus, through initiates set out by connect2affect, families would feel comforted knowing that their elderly are in the safe hands of this program. This would consequently enhance the individuals experience of these initiatives . (Naleppa, 2008) TERM 9 9 DEFINITION 9 However, it is also important to note that families can have a negative affect on the elderlys isolation and go against the initiatives of the said program. Aged and Community Services Australia comment that elderly living with loneliness discussed the importance of their relationships and being around people who are familiar. TERM 10 10 DEFINITION 10 Despite this, family members often seek external assistance which resulted in the elderly individual surrounded by unfamiliar people, going against their needs. This diminishes the effects of the initiatives set out
