Older adults in rural Scotland face unique challenges that can lead to loneliness and social isolation. These challenges are of increasing concern as research highlights the link between loneliness and serious health problems, both mental and physical. Commonly associated health risks include anxiety, depression, heart disease, dementia, and even increased mortality rates. With a growing elderly population in rural areas, these issues are more pressing than ever.
Why Are Older Adults in Rural Areas More Affected?
Rural areas are often associated with poor transport, limited social activities, and a lack of access to health services that can contribute to feelings of isolation among older residents. Many older adults in rural areas also experience physical limitations, such as reduced mobility or sensory impairments, making it harder to stay socially connected. Additionally, life events like the death of a partner or children moving away can intensify feelings of loneliness.
In 2017, National Records of Scotland reported that over 900,000 people lived in rural areas of Scotland and of those people, 46% were over the age of 65. Rural areas are determined by population size and distance from larger urban centrers, with many areas being classified as “remote” due to being over a 30-minute drive from a town. For older adults, this distance can limit access to essential services and community activities, also further increasing isolation.
Interventions to Ease Loneliness
To understand what can be done to reduce loneliness and social isolation, IMPACT ran a year-long Facilitator project in Moray, Scotland to explore the issue and possible solutions. The project, carried out by Nicola Watson, started with an evidence review – a systematic review of academic papers, government reports, and non-profit publications focused on reducing loneliness for people over the age of 50 in rural communities. The evidence emphasised that there’s no ‘one size fits all’ intervention, but the following were effective in reducing loneliness:
- Having a meaningful role within the family
- Participation in neighbourhood and religious groups
- Volunteering
- Sports and exercise
- Using technology to establish and engage with social networks
- Social prescribing
- Education for social participation
A common goal for the interventions is to create a stronger sense of community and provide meaningful social interactions.
What we did in Moray
Nicola carried out a range of activities including mapping services in Moray; meeting with older people, their families and those who provide support; hosting a ‘world café’ event for people across the NHS, third sector, Moray council and community organisations.
Across all of these activities, Nicola was learning about the factors that lead to loneliness, what helps people feel connected, and what would reduce loneliness in Moray.
Outcomes
The views of people across Moray have been synthesised into four themes:
- Signposting and Connecting: Work with individual communities to develop innovative ways of sharing and connecting people with services and resources available.
- Meeting Places: Promote and support the creative use of accessible, affordable and welcoming meeting spaces in everyday community places.
- Activities: Empower communities to develop varied, inclusive and regular opportunities for connection and shared purpose.
- Support the development of community relationships and trusted support.
Moving Forward
Tackling loneliness among older adults in rural Scotland is a complex issue, but the benefits are clear. Reducing loneliness can improve both mental and physical health outcomes, reduce healthcare costs, and enhance quality of life for elderly residents. As rural populations continue to rise in numbers and age, it is essential to expand and adapt these interventions to meet their needs effectively.
By addressing loneliness, rural communities can help older adults live healthier, more connected lives, despite the challenges of remote living.
Find out more about the project here.