A public health approach to social isolation in the elderly

Abstract

The recent pandemic has highlighted the impact of social isolation on health. District and community nurses are in daily contact with vulnerable, elderly clients for whom the norm is a world with little social contact. This compounds the health inequalities affecting this population. District and community nurses require support to meet the psychological and social needs of these clients. In order to improve the health of older people with long-term conditions, joint action between agencies, voluntary groups and charities is imperative. Inclusive and creative evidence-based interventions could be the public health solution to the emerging crisis in the psychological health of elderly clients with chronic conditions.