The Meaning of Having to Live Being Socially Connected in old Age

Abstract

Over the years, the population of elderly is expected to drastically increase and social isolation, pertaining to social connectedness deprivation, has been a health problem among them. It is crucial to identify who is at risk or already suffering to be able to develop effective strategies that meet elderly’s need for social connection. Therefore, identifying life experiences of elderly focusing on their interactions with others could help address this gap. This study provides numerous informational inferences on the experiences of the elderly regarding their social connectedness which are deemed to be significant in nursing practice, education, and research. Primarily, this study aimed to explore how social connectedness is lived among the elderly in La Trinidad. A total of 30 elderlies (n=24 KIIs; n=6 FGDs) participated in this phenomenological inquiry. Guide questions utilizing open-ended questions were used to collect data. Descriptions among the informants were explicated using Diekelmann’s hermeneutic analysis. The meaning of having to live socially connected in old age is wrapped up in the adage “I am a part of all that I have met.” This essence of the phenomenon was revealed through the five (5) themes; (1) Life At 60's, (2) Manifestations of Social Connectedness, (3) Implications Of Social Connectedness, (4) Challenges That Impede Social Connectedness, and (5) Coping Strategies To Address Social Disconnection. In everyday life of the elderly, social connectedness was seen to have a crucial role. Hence, ways of social connection emanated from the informants' responses, leading to a positive effect on their welfare. However, obstacles were also identified that hinder their socialization; thereby, they have individually developed their coping strategies. Organized, continuous and accessible community- based socialization and health activities appropriate for the elderly like morning exercises, community campfires, regular home visit nursing and other income generating activities are deemed relevant as diversional campaigns that keep the elderly socially connected and enhance their well-being.