Laura Poy Solano
Newspaper La Jornada
Saturday September 3, 2022, p. eleven
Despite the fact that the population aged 65 and older had more access to the Internet and the use of new technologies, such as cell phones and computers, their socialization is still poor, since only two out of 10 use social networks to get in touch with relatives and friends, according to the results of the National Survey of Health and Nutrition (Ensanut) 2021.
In an analysis of the condition of social isolation and loneliness (the subjective feeling of being isolated) in the older adult population, it stands out that the above indicates serious public health problems of our time, because they imply a greater risk of physical and mental health problems, as well as an increase in the demand for services
of the branch
The survey warns that at least 25.5 percent of older adults state that they feel comfortable talking about their personal matters with no family member and 22.3 percent indicated that no relative is close enough to ask for help, while 31 percent considered that they would only call one person.
According to data from the National Institute of Statistics and Geography (Inegi), in Mexico 11.4 percent (1.7 million) of people 60 years of age or older live alone, a figure that Ensanut 2020 raised to 12.3 percent for people over 65 years and more.
Among them, 45.3 percent considered themselves in social isolation, while one in two stated that they feel lonely always and sometimes. Ensanut 2021 highlights that 30.8 percent of people aged 65 and over feel that they lack company, a figure that rises to 47.2 percent for those who live alone.
In addition, nearly two in 10 of those surveyed said they felt left out, rising to 32.4 percent for unaccompanied seniors.
It was found that, in general, 20.4 percent of older adults feel isolated from others.
Of those who live without company, at least 33.9 percent also acknowledged feeling isolated, a figure that reaches 17.9 percent, even for those who live with someone.
The survey highlights that social isolation and loneliness affect a significant proportion of older adults, particularly those who live alone, and warns that by 2050 a fifth of the general population will be 65 years of age or older, which demands new strategies to prevent the adverse effects that can be faced by social isolation.
