Social needs are important basic human needs. When social needs are not met, they can also lead to physical and mental health problems. Especially for older adults, meeting social needs is important to maintain well-being and quality of life. Young people also often use social technology to meet their social needs. Social technology is the collective name for technology used in the social domain, for example, Facebook, email and Skype.
The objective of the study is to provide more information on the social needs of older people and to study the (possible) role of social technology in satisfying these needs. Twenty older adults who are at risk of having unmet social needs are individually interviewed. Based on a previous systematic review of the literature, the topics of the interviews are diversity, reciprocity, proximity and the meaning of the relationship. In addition, the use and experiences with social technology of these twenty elderly people are studied.
The results of this study will be used for the development and implementation of a (technological) intervention to meet social needs. Research evidence shows the importance of social networks, which include family, friends, neighbors and community members. From easy-to-use video calling platforms, such as Skype and FaceTime, to tablets and devices suitable for the elderly, such as the GrandPad, technology can play an important role in improving the social lives of elderly people. You may notice some social changes that come with old age, and as the disease progresses, you may consider receiving nursing care at home or in a facility.
The effects of social isolation can be far-reaching and affect multiple facets of an older adult's life. Research evidence reveals that not all older adults have the same social needs; there are individual and cultural differences. Older adults usually need some type of care service or the help of a family member to treat ADL at home. Now that you know the social, emotional and physical needs of older people, as well as what defines elder care for older adults, you can determine what type of care your loved one might need.
Social determinants of health (SDOH) are the conditions in which people are born, live, learn, work, play, worship and age and affect a wide range of outcomes and risks to health, functioning and quality of life. At the community level, initiatives such as connecting older people to services through organizations such as Eldercare Locator, encouraging their participation in social activities and facilitating their participation in volunteering can contribute significantly to addressing these challenges. Meanwhile, factors such as limited mobility, lack of access to resources, and environmental obstacles can prevent older adults from participating in social activities and establishing meaningful relationships. However, it is at this stage of life that most people require the most care and support, this could include home care or nursing care for older patients. Limited mobility and lack of access to resources can also prevent older people from participating in social activities.
Meeting the social needs of older people can be a challenge due to problems such as social isolation and barriers to social participation, which must be addressed to ensure their well-being. Even casual conversations with strangers can meet some of the social needs of older adults and contribute to their well-being.
