Social Isolation of Older Adults (eBook)

Contributors

Preface

PART I. Setting the Context

1. The Scourge of Social Isolation and Its Threat to Older Adult Health

Lenard W. Kaye and Clifford M. Singer

2. Historical Perspectives on the Research of Social Isolation, Loneliness, and Social Support

Mary Lou Ciolfi

3. Making the Case: The Clinical Value of Assessing Older Adults’ Social Isolation, Loneliness, and Social Relationships

Sarah Pillemer, Chelsea Schoen, and Sloane Sheldon

4. International Perspectives on Social Relationships, Social Isolation, and Well-Being Among Older Adults

Howard Litwin

PART II. Proven Strategies and Programs for Promoting Social Integration and Health

5. Friend Power—A View From the Front Lines:

The Importance of Relationships in the Lives of the Disabled, People With Dementia, and Older Adults

Hope Reiner

6. Physical Activity for Older Adults: Supporting Social Integration

Marilyn R. Gugliucci, Erica Robertson, Susan Wehry, and Shirley A. Weaver

7. Designing Age Friendly Communities as a Strategy for Enhancing Social Connectedness

Patricia Huffman Oh

8. Healthy Places and the Social Life of Older Adults

Keith Diaz Moore, Ivis Garcia, and Ja Young Kim

9. Volunteering as a Strategy for Combatting Social Isolation

Jennifer A. Crittenden

10. Using Technology to Advance Social Health

Hiroko H. Dodge

11. Spirituality and Religion in the Lives of Elders

Kenneth J. Doka

12. Involving Our Pets in Relationship Building—Pets and Elder Well-Being

Aubrey H. Fine and Erika Friedmann

PART III. Special Challenges Influencing Social Connectedness in Later Life

13. Social Networks and Social Isolation Among LGBT Older Adults

Sandra S. Butler

14. Family and Intergenerational Relationships

Donna M. Butts and Kristin Bodiford

15. Rethinking Love, Intimacy, and Sexual Relationships in the Later Years

Nicholas Velotta and Pepper Schwartz

16. The Gendered Nature of Later Life Relationships

Edward H. Thompson, Jr. and Kate de Medeiros

17. The Social Implications of Growing Old in Small Towns and Rural Communities

Kristina M. Hash, Deana F. Morrow, and Mandana R. Weirich

Appendix: Resources on Older Adult Social Isolation and Relationships

Lisa Dezso

Index