The Social World of Older People

The Social World of Older People: Understanding Loneliness and Social Isolation in Later Life

Christina Victor, Sasha Scambler, John Bond
(St George's Medical School, London, University of Surrey, University of Newcastle)

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About the book | About the authors | Table of contents

About the book

Developments to the physical environment, scientific and technological innovation, the reorganisation of work and leisure and the impact of globalization and global capitalism have all influenced the nature of the world in which we now live. Social engagement and relationships, however, remain important at any age and their quality is a key element contributing to the quality of life of older people.

This book provides a detailed account of loneliness and social isolation as experienced by older people living in Britain. The authors consider the incidence and effects of isolation and loneliness, identifying the factors which lead to such experiences and considering potential interventions. They also argue that these feelings are experienced at all stages of the life course and not unique to the social world of older people.

Victor, Scambler and Bond rationalise that this is an important area, as both loneliness and social isolation are negatively associated with both quality and quantity of life - whilst the maintenance of social relationships is seen as a key component of 'successful ageing'.

The Social World of Older People is important reading for students of social work, gerontology, community care and social policy as well as being of interest to policy makers and practitioners in these fields.
About the authors

# Christina Victor is Professor in the School of Health and Social Care at the University of Reading, UK. She has edited two books for Open University Press; Critical Approaches to Ageing and Later Life (1997) and Researching Ageing and Later Life (2002).

Sasha Scambler is Lecturer in Sociology at Kings College London Dental Institute. Her interests include the sociology of chronic illness and disability, social theory and the sociology of later life.

John Bond is Professor of Social Gerontology and Health Services Research and Deputy Director of the Institute of Health and Society and a member of the Institute for Ageing and Health, based at Newcastle University, UK. He is co-author of Quality of Life and Older People (Open University Press, 2004).



Table of contents

Introduction

Theories of social relationships

Social engagement and participation

Daily life in old age

Perspectives on social relationships

Implications for theory, policy and practice

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