Keyword: elderly

The reality of older people with loss of autonomy illustrates the effects of the global movement towards deinstitutionalization. Several reasons are behind the movement to “keep” the elderly in their own living environment, such as costs associated with population ageing and the resulting burden on health system resources, as well as the desire of the individuals themselves to spend their remaining years at home.

It is common knowledge that the population of older adults is significantly increasing and that those who live in the community often face social isolation. What may be less well-known is that social isolation can have a detrimental effect on the mental health of this population1. For example, socially isolated older adults may be at greater risk for cognitive decline…