Economic, Social and Demographic Characteristics and Social Isolation in Senile People (Case Study: Tehran City)

Many senile people describe the ageing period as a loneliness period, calling it an unpleasant and scary experience. Social isolation is a widespread phenomenon. Near the 25 to 50 percent of the total population, over 65 years old experience it in terms of age and gender. Given to elderly population growing and the fact that in our country (Iran) has begun to experience ageing, it is important to consider the social needs and communication networks of the elderly. The primary purpose of the study was to investigate the relationship between socio–economic, social and social characteristics of the elderly in Tehran.

This cross–sectional study was descriptive. This study conducted in 2017 among 382 elderly 65 years old in Tehran (the capital city of Iran) selected by multistage cluster sampling method. The data–gathering tool was a social isolation questionnaire. To assess the validity of the questionnaire, used two types of content validity and structure, and reliability evaluated by Cronbach's alpha test. The pre–test questionnaire completed after the elaboration of 30 elderly people in Tehran and defects resolved. Finally, a final questionnaire developed. Data analyzed by SPSS software version 25 using descriptive and analytical methods using t–test and ANOVA. The significant level considered for comparison of social isolation among different groups of elderly people (0.05%).

The average social isolation in the elderly was about 62%. Investigating the dimensions of social isolation of this vulnerable group showed that the two dimensions of associative links (81.8%) and instrumental social capital (78.2%) were the highest levels of isolation. On the other hand, the lowest level of isolation has been experienced in family relationships, and about 33% of the elderly have experienced social isolation in their family relationships. There was no significant difference between the mean of social isolation of men and women, and the elderly men and women had similar levels of social isolation (p=0.118). Social isolation of elderly people who lost their spouse (due to death and divorce) was more than spouses one (p=0.001). Also, the elderly living in the same neighborhood less than five years had more social isolation than the other elderly (p=0.001). With increasing age, we saw an increase in social isolation. Social isolation of the elderly people who were 80 years and bigger was more than other elderly people (p=0.001). With increasing education, social isolation decreased and high educated was lower than others were (p=0.033). There was no significant difference between the social isolation of elderly people of different ethnic groups in Tehran (p=0.092). Elderly people with a diverse economic and social base had the same level of social isolation, and there was little difference between them.

The social isolation rate of the elderly in Tehran was high, and there was a significant difference between social isolation in the elderly according to the variables of marital status, age, education, the residence time in a neighborhood. So that people aged 65 to 69, older people with higher education than those with a diploma, and respondents with a residence of less than five years in their current residence had less social isolation than other elderly people.