HABRI Central

Strategies to Decrease Depression from

Social Isolation Among the Elderly Population

Erin Gallagher and Megan Russ

Faculty Sponsor: Christina Lattner, DNP, APRN, AGNP-C, ANP-BC

Background: The lack of social interaction among the elderly population has been directly linked with higher rates of morbidity related to diabetes, arthritis, cancer, and heart disease, thus leading to higher rates of mortality.

Objectives: This comprehensive literature review selected a variety of social interactions to present to the elderly population to examine if an increase in socialization will decrease the depressive symptoms felt during social isolation.

Method: An integrative literature review of both qualitative and quantitative studies was developed by comparing the interventions used, identifying limitations presented, and both successful and unsuccessful outcomes.

Findings/Results: Four effective methods to combat social isolation, decrease depression symptoms, and improve quality of life among the elderly population were identified in this literature review. The elderly population positively responded to intergenerational programs, the use of social media interactions, exercise and physical activities, and animal assisted therapy.

Conclusion: The baby boomer generation makes up 20% of the American population, by 2050 the surviving baby boomers will be 85 years old. With the growing elderly population the four effective research based methods discovered will attempt to combat the negative effects of aging such as social isolation, feelings of loneliness and depression.

Researchers should cite this work as follows:

1. Animal-assisted activities
2. Animal-assisted therapies
3. Older adults
4. open access
5. Social Isolation