The relation between social isolation and increasing suicide rates in later life
The relation between social isolation and increasing suicide rates in later life
Suicidal attempts and thoughts are particularly relevant to the health of older adults and can impact not only the individual but family, friends and spouses as well. This topic is important for the gerontological research community, particularly as it relates to social isolation and the feeling of loneliness, common in this population group. The purpose of this paper is to investigate new knowledge about the relationship between an increased risk of suicide in later life and social isolation or loneliness.
An extensive search was conducted to find relevant studies to answer the research question. Database research was done in PubMed and PsycINFO for relevant studies within the last 10 years. The title and abstract of relevant articles were screened before the full text was acquired.
In PubMed 163 studies were identified, and in PsycINFO 66 studies were identified. After a thorough screening, nine studies were found to be appropriate for this study.
It is not clear which risk factor leads to an increase in suicidal thoughts and attempts, however, most studies contemplated loneliness and isolation as a covariant. A causal link between the concepts is not simple. Nevertheless, loneliness and isolation seem to be relevant factors for suicidal ideations.
British Society of Gerontology
Heuser, Christoph
cb53406b-3b29-4a68-b755-9766c9161186
9 July 2021
Heuser, Christoph
cb53406b-3b29-4a68-b755-9766c9161186
Heuser, Christoph
(2021)
The relation between social isolation and increasing suicide rates in later life.
In BSG - 50th Annual Conference 2021.
British Society of Gerontology..
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Conference or Workshop Item
(Paper)
Abstract
Suicidal attempts and thoughts are particularly relevant to the health of older adults and can impact not only the individual but family, friends and spouses as well. This topic is important for the gerontological research community, particularly as it relates to social isolation and the feeling of loneliness, common in this population group. The purpose of this paper is to investigate new knowledge about the relationship between an increased risk of suicide in later life and social isolation or loneliness.
An extensive search was conducted to find relevant studies to answer the research question. Database research was done in PubMed and PsycINFO for relevant studies within the last 10 years. The title and abstract of relevant articles were screened before the full text was acquired.
In PubMed 163 studies were identified, and in PsycINFO 66 studies were identified. After a thorough screening, nine studies were found to be appropriate for this study.
It is not clear which risk factor leads to an increase in suicidal thoughts and attempts, however, most studies contemplated loneliness and isolation as a covariant. A causal link between the concepts is not simple. Nevertheless, loneliness and isolation seem to be relevant factors for suicidal ideations.
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Published date: 9 July 2021
Venue - Dates:
BSG 2021 - 50th Annual Conference : Ageing Past, Present and Future: Innovation and Change, Online, Lancaster, United Kingdom, 2021-07-07 - 2021-07-09
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Local EPrints ID: 450338
URI: http://eprints.soton.ac.uk/id/eprint/450338
PURE UUID: 522d6a79-24c5-4c2a-8cd2-f254833b83d6
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Date deposited: 23 Jul 2021 18:12
Last modified: 23 Jul 2022 02:28
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