Exploring the Issue of Social Isolation in Older Adults in Northeast Tennessee
Abstract
Social isolation is not a new problem, but it is growing and causing significant harm, especially in older adults. This study explored contributing factors and potential solutions to social isolation through one-on-one interviews with four community health professionals working in the aging sector in Northeast Tennessee during April 2024. Transcripts were analyzed using pre-existing codes. The Social Ecological Model (SEM) served as the framework, organizing themes by individual, interpersonal, and community levels of influence. Thematic analysis revealed seven themes across the three influence levels that impact older adults’ experience of social isolation. Individual-level themes include health and well-being, skills and abilities, and motivation for engagement. Family support emerged as the primary theme for interpersonal-level factors. Community-level factors include social/cultural influences, built environment and infrastructure, and faith-based and non-governmental organizational engagement. The interviews yielded solutions such as proactive community building, chronic disease prevention, and partnerships with faith-based organizations. The SEM framework highlights the interconnectedness of the factors and potential solutions to this issue. Multi-level change is necessary to create a meaningful impact. Our study reveals social isolation to be a significant challenge in older adulthood, driven mainly by an individual’s health and personal characteristics such as self-determination. The findings highlight not only the need for interventions to address the issue for those currently experiencing isolation but also the need to strengthen efforts that enhance social connectedness and chronic disease prevention. Future research could dive deeper into the motivations for connectedness and explore successful interventions to increase resilience in older adults.
Start Time
16-4-2025 1:30 PM
End Time
16-4-2025 4:00 PM
Presentation Type
Poster
Presentation Category
Health
Student Type
Graduate Student - Doctoral
Faculty Mentor
Jodi Southerland
Faculty Department
Community and Behavioral Health
Exploring the Issue of Social Isolation in Older Adults in Northeast Tennessee
Social isolation is not a new problem, but it is growing and causing significant harm, especially in older adults. This study explored contributing factors and potential solutions to social isolation through one-on-one interviews with four community health professionals working in the aging sector in Northeast Tennessee during April 2024. Transcripts were analyzed using pre-existing codes. The Social Ecological Model (SEM) served as the framework, organizing themes by individual, interpersonal, and community levels of influence. Thematic analysis revealed seven themes across the three influence levels that impact older adults’ experience of social isolation. Individual-level themes include health and well-being, skills and abilities, and motivation for engagement. Family support emerged as the primary theme for interpersonal-level factors. Community-level factors include social/cultural influences, built environment and infrastructure, and faith-based and non-governmental organizational engagement. The interviews yielded solutions such as proactive community building, chronic disease prevention, and partnerships with faith-based organizations. The SEM framework highlights the interconnectedness of the factors and potential solutions to this issue. Multi-level change is necessary to create a meaningful impact. Our study reveals social isolation to be a significant challenge in older adulthood, driven mainly by an individual’s health and personal characteristics such as self-determination. The findings highlight not only the need for interventions to address the issue for those currently experiencing isolation but also the need to strengthen efforts that enhance social connectedness and chronic disease prevention. Future research could dive deeper into the motivations for connectedness and explore successful interventions to increase resilience in older adults.