Interventions to reduce the negative impact of ageing, social isolation, and loneliness on the health and well-being of elderlies in Thailand and India

Abstract

This article aims to relate the impact of ageing, social isolation, or loneliness on the health and well-being of elderlies in Thailand and India, and measures of intervention through social care and integration to reduce the negative impact while promoting participation to lead to active and healthy ageing among ageing elderlies. Qualitative data were obtained through in-depth interview questions from 24 participants, 80 years and above, 12 each from Imphal City of Manipur State, India, and Nakhon Pathom Province of Thailand. The city or province of the study was selected according to the convenience of the researchers. In-depth interviews with key informants, including 4 administrators from India and Thailand, were also conducted. The analysis of the collected data found intervention activities, individually as well as in groups, such as networking with the local people, the establishment of an elderly school which is needed to be taken up by family and society for bringing productive and active ageing. As loneliness or isolation, due to immobility and fewer social contacts, has impacted the health, and longevity of elderlies, the study discusses a wide range of intervention strategies consisting of social facilitation, community approach, socio-religious engagement, health, and social care. This study has concluded with the need for organized appropriate long-term intervention strategies to create meaningful social contacts and connections, for loneliness and social isolation in the life of the elderly is not a phenomenon that can be ignored any longer as it has many impacts on the quality of life of the ageing population.