Lifespan in the UK is increasing. Studies by Independent Age, International Longevity Centre-UK and English Longitudinal Study of Ageing have shown that 15 per cent of older men and 11 per cent of women experience moderate to severe loneliness. Social isolation in older people increases morbidity and premature death and is as detrimental to health as smoking, obesity and a sedentary lifestyle. Specifically, social isolation stress can lead to depression in older people and has also been shown to have effects on learning and memory. Despite the impact that social isolation has on health, the underlying mechanisms that drive the increase in morbidity and mortality are not completely understood.
The project began in 2014 and is ongoing.
The project aimed
Through an understanding of the mechanisms by which social isolation increases morbidity and mortality we hope to be able to deliver better interventions to improve the health of older people.
Research team
Dr Mark Yeoman
Dr Melanie Flint
Dr Bhavik Patel
Dr Lucy Redhead
Dr Chris Cocking
Dr Caroline Garrett
Railton Scott
Output
This project has just started in the Department but has gained funding through the Community University Partnership Programme.
Partners
Age Concern, Eastbourne