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Journals / Sosyal Sağlık Dergisi / 2026 / Sayı: 2026

Social Isolation and Health in Elderly Individuals: A Review on Cognitive Functions and Physical Dimensions

Yaşlı Bireylerde Sosyal İzolasyon ve Sağlık: Bilişsel İşlevler ve Fiziksel Boyutları Üzerine Bir Derleme

Sidrenur Aslan Kolukısa(ARTVİN ÇORUH ÜNİVERSİTESİ, ARTVİN MESLEK YÜKSEKOKULU, TERAPİ VE REHABİLİTASYON BÖLÜMÜ)0000-0003-3458-1563
Pages
85–96
Publication Date
2026-05-06
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AI Summary & Key Takeaways

AI Insight
⚡ TL;DR(Too Long; Didn't Read)

In conclusion, considering the multifaceted effects of social isolation on cognitive and physical health in older individuals, interventions that promote social participation and strengthen individuals' social connections may play an important role in supporting healthy aging.

📌 3 Key Takeaways

🎯
Objective & Hypothesis:Social isolation is a significant public health issue, particularly prevalent among older adults, characterised by limited social relationships or a lack of meaningful social interaction.
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Key Findings & Data:Studies in the literature suggest that social isolation may be associated with cognitive impairment, reduced executive function, and an increased risk of dementia.
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Conclusion & Impact:In conclusion, considering the multifaceted effects of social isolation on cognitive and physical health in older individuals, interventions that promote social participation and strengthen individuals' social connections may play an important role in supporting healthy aging.
🔬Design:Review & Systematic Survey
📍Scope:Comprehensive Sample
⚙️Variables:bilişsel işlevler · fiziksel sağlık · sosyal izolasyon

Abstract

Social isolation is a significant public health issue, particularly prevalent among older adults, characterised by limited social relationships or a lack of meaningful social interaction. This review examines the main factors contributing to the development of social isolation in older adults and evaluates the potential effects of social isolation on cognitive and physical health based on the current literature. Studies in the literature suggest that social isolation may be associated with cognitive impairment, reduced executive function, and an increased risk of dementia. Furthermore, social isolation has notable implications for physical health. In particular, it is noted to be associated with outcomes such as increased cardiovascular risk, reduced levels of physical activity, a decline in functional capacity, and a deterioration in general health. In this context, the importance of community-based interventions, activities that increase social participation, technology-supported forms of communication, and multidisciplinary health approaches is highlighted. To mitigate these adverse health outcomes associated with social isolation, prevention and support strategies must be developed at both the clinical and societal levels. In conclusion, considering the multifaceted effects of social isolation on cognitive and physical health in older individuals, interventions that promote social participation and strengthen individuals' social connections may play an important role in supporting healthy aging.

Özet

Sosyal izolasyon, özellikle yaşlı yetişkinler arasında yaygın olan ve sınırlı sosyal ilişkiler veya anlamlı sosyal etkileşim eksikliği ile karakterize edilen önemli bir halk sağlığı sorunudur. Bu inceleme, yaşlı yetişkinlerde sosyal izolasyonun gelişimine katkıda bulunan ana faktörleri incelemekte ve mevcut literatüre dayanarak sosyal izolasyonun bilişsel ve fiziksel sağlık üzerindeki potansiyel etkilerini değerlendirmektedir. Literatürdeki çalışmalar, sosyal izolasyonun bilişsel bozukluk, azalmış yürütücü işlev ve artmış demans riski ile ilişkili olabileceğini göstermektedir. Dahası, sosyal izolasyonun fiziksel sağlık üzerinde de önemli sonuçlar doğurabilir. Özellikle, artmış kardiyovasküler risk, azalmış fiziksel aktivite seviyeleri, fonksiyonel kapasitede düşüş ve genel sağlıkta bozulma gibi sonuçlarla ilişkili olduğu belirtilmektedir. Bu bağlamda, toplum temelli müdahalelerin, sosyal katılımı artıran aktivitelerin, teknoloji destekli iletişim biçimlerinin ve çok disiplinli sağlık yaklaşımlarının önemi vurgulanmaktadır. Sosyal izolasyonla ilişkili bu olumsuz sağlık sonuçlarını hafifletmek için hem klinik hem de toplumsal düzeyde önleme ve destek stratejileri geliştirilmelidir. Sonuç olarak, sosyal izolasyonun yaşlı bireylerde bilişsel ve fiziksel sağlık üzerindeki çok yönlü etkileri göz önüne alındığında, sosyal katılımı teşvik eden ve bireylerin sosyal bağlarını güçlendiren müdahaleler, sağlıklı yaşlanmayı desteklemede önemli bir rol oynayabilir.

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Cite This Article

Kolukısa, S. A. (2026). Social Isolation and Health in Elderly Individuals: A Review on Cognitive Functions and Physical Dimensions. Sosyal Sağlık Dergisi, Sayı: 2026, 85–96. https://doi.org/10.69514/sosyalsaglik.1926284

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