Envelhecimento e isolamento social: uma revisão integrativa

Abstract

Objective: To analyze the concepts available in the literature about the social isolation of older people. Methods: This was an integrative literature review with basis on the theoretical perspective of ageism. The data were collected from March to May 2019, in LILACS, MEDLINE, EBSCO and Web of Science databases. The crossing of keywords "Older adult" and "Elderly" were used, with the controlled descriptors "Aged, " "Social Isolation, " and "Loneliness" registered in the Medical Subject Headings (MeSH), using the Boolean operator AND. The final sample consisted of 18 articles. Results: The social isolation of older person is related to absence or inadequacy of family, friends and general social networks; isolation does not necessarily mean loneliness; operationalization of the social isolation concept needs standardization for a better measurement; risk factors was already identified with possible consequences; interventions are available, but there is insufficient information whether they are based on evidence; the relationship between isolation and loneliness is described and protective factors are presented, but with a low level of evidence. Conclusion: Instruments to operationalize the concept of social isolation need to be created, as the studies present heterogeneity of concepts and theoretical bases.