Social Network and Healthy Ageing among Elderly in Helping Hearts Old Age Home, Coimbatore

Abstract

In the current times, the research cites that elderly definitely need social networks to aid in their mental and physical well being. The previous researches have indicated familyfocused, friend-focused, and restricted types as the types of social networks available. Social network include social interaction and social communication. It is the need of the hour to study about the social network of the elderly population because many of them are left with nobody and loneliness is one of the important factor not to mention about desertion by their loved ones since they are no longer productive individuals. The heterogeneity of social networks is pathway to successful and healthy ageing. Healthy ageing is about using opportunities so that they can have social participation and lead a good quality of life. Elderly need not be burdensome individuals in the society instead they can be involved in lot of activities which contribute to them ageing gracefully. The research studies state that rural elderly have more chances of social participation that they find more meaning in life which is a contributing factor for healthy ageing. The present study aims to find out the relationship between social network and healthy ageing.