Social Isolation factors of the Elderly in Rural Environment

Abstract

Background: with the demographic evolution, the urbanization of rural areas and the increase in the use of new technologies, there is an increase in complaints of social isolation in rural areas. The elderly, victim of stereotypes that generate situations in which standing on their side, disrespect and helplessness are aggravating factors of this isolation. Objective: to identify the factors that contribute to social isolation in rural areas. Methodology: for this purpose, we chose a qualitative, descriptive and transversal approach, with nine elderly participants from the parish of Castrelo do Val (Spain). A semi-structured interview was used as a data collection tool. Results: the factors that contribute to the social isolation of elderly people are: i) the presence of the disease, ii) the absence/removal of relatives and, iii) lack of awareness in the community. Conclusion: the aging process is a phase of the vital cycle, which calls for a permanent stimulus so that the elderly person develops a more active posture, inciting them to a relevant and socially useful role in the environment around them, familiar and social, minimizing feelings of abandonment and loneliness, often triggered by the presence of chronic diseases and comorbidity, removal of relatives and lack of awareness of the community.