高齢者の孤立・孤独と不安・抑うつ

Social Isolation, Loneliness, Anxiety, and Depression in Older Adults

社会的孤立は，他者との社会的接触が少ない客観的状態であり，孤独は，他者とのつながりが欠如して寂しいという主観的状態である。高齢者は，さまざまな喪失を体験する中で適応不安に陥りやすい。死別や経済水準，健康状態，孤独は抑うつのリスクとなる。社会的孤立・孤独と不安・抑うつは，「社会的孤立→孤独→不安・抑うつ」および「不安・抑うつ→孤独」という関連を示す。高齢者の孤立・孤独に対する心理社会的介入を概観した。

Abstract

Social isolation is the objective state of being in little social contact, whereas loneliness is the subjective state of being lonely due to a lack of connection with others. Older adults are more susceptible to anxiety as they experience various forms of loss. Factors such as bereavement, economic status, health status, and loneliness increase the risk of depression in older adults. There is a clear association between social isolation, loneliness, anxiety, and depression, often following the pattern “social isolation→loneliness→anxiety/depression.” and “anxiety/depression→loneliness”. This review examines psychosocial interventions aimed at addressing isolation and loneliness among older adults.