What can make social connection harder for older people living with chronic conditions?

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Chronic conditions may limit older people’s social engagement and wellbeing. Reduced social connections can lead to loneliness and social isolation. The study explored how older people living with chronic conditions experience social connection and what influences their social participation.

In a qualitative descriptive study, researchers purposively sampled 19 community-dwelling older Australians with one or more chronic conditions; their mean age was 75.5 years. Semi-structured interviews explored participants’ perceptions of their social connections and the potential impact of their chronic conditions. Participants also discussed the role of general practice in supporting older people’s wellbeing. The researchers analysed the data inductively using thematic analysis.

Five themes emerged: the experience of loneliness, managing diminishing social contacts, living with chronic conditions, barriers to social connection, and facilitators of social connection. Participants felt that ageing with chronic conditions contributed to loss of function and independence, limiting social connections and increasing loneliness and social isolation. Barriers included difficulties with mobility, transport and forming new networks. Families were a primary source of support, while continued community engagement and support from general practice were crucial to staying well and socially connected.

The researchers concluded that understanding older people’s experiences and the barriers and facilitators of social connection can guide clinicians’ interventions. They identified general practice as a promising point for intervention because people with chronic conditions use it frequently to stay well. General practice nurses are well-placed to work collaboratively to address the barriers older people face in maintaining social connections.