Social ability or social frailty?

Machielse, Anja; Hortulanus, Roelof

doi:10.2307/j.ctt9qgtp6.11

Cited by 2 publications

(3 citation statements)

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“…Companionship does not arise from the provision of support per se but is “the consequence of participation in a meaningful social context in and of itself” (Berkman et al , 2000, p. 849). Machielse and Hortulanus (2014) suggest that social companionship, which involves the joint undertaking of social activities, helps maintain a sense of self-worth in older people. If an older person feels they are burdensome to their neighbour then, arguably, self-worth will be diminished and participation in social events with a neighbour seems unlikely (Gardner, 2011).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Older people’s experiences of getting help from neighbours

Grime

2018

WWOP

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Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate older people’s views and experiences of getting help from neighbours in order to consider whether such help is situated within neighbourliness and the implications for social care policy which seeks to harness help from neighbours. Design/methodology/approach A qualitative study in which 15 older people from the North of England were interviewed to explore relationships with neighbours, managing day to day life and experiences of getting help from neighbours. Findings Relationships with helper neighbours were reciprocal, dynamic and preceded the start of getting help. The help offered was not negotiated but evolved in response to changes in circumstances and was commensurate with normative views of neighbourliness, i.e. reciprocated sociability and helpfulness but also respect for privacy. Respondents were reluctant to ask for help. Underpinning such reluctance were perceptions of imposing on neighbours, suggestive of anticipated asymmetry in the give-and-take of neighbourliness. Social implications Policy makers who see the help from neighbours as an output of household production and available as a source of informal care for older people must appreciate that whether help is offered or taken up is dependent on the development of a reciprocal relationship which itself depends on observing and respecting normative boundaries, such as in relation to help giving or receiving and due respect for privacy. Originality/value There has been little research into older people’s perspectives on getting help from neighbours despite diminishing public services and neighbours viewed as a potential source of care.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Older people’s experiences of getting help from neighbours

Grime

2018

WWOP

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“…In some cases, the onset of social isolation and loneliness in late life may occur in alignment with a major transitional event, such as following the loss of a spouse or friend (Beach & Bamford, 2014). For others, the experience of social isolation may be more reflective of a lifelong pattern of few meaningful social supports, illness, or mental health issues (Machielse, 2006, Part 1, Chapter 2). Although such circumstances are occasionally listed as being risk factors for social isolation, researchers could benefit from taking a closer look at age relations (see Calasanti, 2003), the trajectories of inequality across the life course, and the temporal variations in onset.…”

Section: Suggestions For Change – Expanding the Conversationmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Generally speaking, social exclusion occurs when individuals are disconnected or detached from “mainstream society” (Walsh, Scharf, & Keating, 2016). Accordingly, social isolation in later life can be seen as a by-product of structural developments and/or accumulated disadvantage or inequalities (Machielse, 2006, Part 1, chapter 2). A closer analysis of age, age relations, and time – especially time spent in disadvantage – deepens insight on social isolation and exclusion in later life.…”

Section: Suggestions For Change – Expanding the Conversationmentioning

confidence: 99%

Social Isolation in Later Life: Extending the Conversation

Weldrick

Grenier

2018

Can. J. Aging

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As Canada's population continues to age, social isolation among older people is a growing concern and national-level priority. Although much is known about individual-level risks and negative health outcomes associated with social isolation in later life, the impact of life course trajectories and the more collective experiences are seldom considered. Current definitions and program responses tend to rely on individualized approaches to social isolation. Here, we argue that the conversation be extended to consider the social and cultural aspects of social isolation among older people. Specifically, we suggest that definitions and approaches consider three particular dimensions: temporal factors, spatial factors, and the relationship between social isolation and exclusion. Doing so, we argue, would result in a more inclusive approach to social isolation in late life, and the development of capacity to address social isolation among a wide range of older people, particularly the needs of vulnerable or marginalized groups.

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Social ability or social frailty?

Cited by 2 publications

References 0 publications

Older people’s experiences of getting help from neighbours

Older people’s experiences of getting help from neighbours

Social Isolation in Later Life: Extending the Conversation

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