Social isolation is defined as the absence of social interactions, contacts, and relationships with family and friends, with neighbours on an individual level, and with “society at large” on a broader level.
According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, there is an estimated 3.8 million older Australians (equivalent to 15% of the population) in 2017, an increase from 2.2 million people (13% of the population) 10 years earlier. Very old Australians (aged 85 and over) accounted for 2.0% of the population in 2017, with this proportion projected to increase to 4.4 % by 2057.
A portion of the population mentioned above account for Filipino elderly who have been living in Australia for quite some time.
Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics
Filipino elderly are no stranger to the feeling of isolation. Migrating to a new country means challenging circumstances and situations.
UFEA or Unified Filipino Elderly Association is a community-based organisation committed to helping migrant elderly in Australia fight social isolation and loneliness.
Leti Lorenzana UFEA President said that social isolation should not be part of getting old and should be conquered. Some Filipinos do not want to admit that they’re going through isolation because they do not want their family to worry or to be a source of burden causing them to lose social connectedness.
The feelings of isolation may come from different possible reasons; loss of loved ones or friends, illness, loss of job or job retirement and the feeling that they’re too old and weak to be active. Faye Arcilla, secretary of UFEA said it is a normal and temporary feeling that can go away that’s why it is important to extend help to elderly struggling with social isolation.
Barbara Price, UFEA’s Vice President added that the issue on social isolation is especially prevalent on culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds because they lack social awareness of activities, programs, services that are available to them.
A woman uses a walker to assist her mobility in Canberra, Friday, May 24, 2013. (AAP Image/Alan Porritt) NO ARCHIVING Source: AAP
Language and culture barrier can also be a factor to social isolation amongst elderly. The inability to assimilate with other culture due to language barrier can make elderly feel psychologically stressed.
But how do we fight social isolation?
By encouraging elderly to join clubs, associations and community events they are able to meet and interact with people. This will help them feel connected to a group.
Karaoke events, musical performances and dinners are some of the activities they conduct.
Home visitation is also a means of reaching out to them be it at their home or at a nursing home they live in.
Conducting information sessions that are relevant to elderly such as dental care, legal information sessions can also help the elderly keep their minds active.
Health and wellness programs are also effective roadways to fight social isolation. Aside from physical exercises, elderly are taught how to be technologically savvy so as to stimulate their intellectual capacity.
“Yung chitchat lang they’re happy with that, catching up with people, what is important ay may human interaction” says Barbara Price.
Being involved in a community organisation is also a great way to assimilate with other culture. “We promote our culture so yung broader community, they can understand what a Filipino is, what is our legacy, what is our heritage.” She added.
Elderly support should not only come from organisations around but firstly from the immediate family. We should let the elderly feel that they are important. Spending time with them and supporting them with what they are happy to do.
UFEA celebrating Christmas in July activity at St. Andrews Parish July 8, 2018. Len Villanueva Source: Len Villanueva
UFEA's "No pokies Yes! karaoke night with Chinese, Mauritian, Aussie and Filipino social groups at Kingston Council. June 30, 2018 Source: Len Villanueva
“Ang ating mga mga magulang, lolo they are important kailangan natin silang bigyan ng opportunity to become a productive, contributing member of society hindi lang sila tagabanatay ng bahay o tagabantay ng anak mo.” Barbara Price added.
When asked how they can make the elderly feel encouraged, Barbara believes in a one-on-one interaction such as sharing the same experiences and objectives in life. Faye on the other hand, pays a visit to her elderly friends and invite them to her home so they feel welcome. While Leti, who works as an interpreter to elderly, ensure that she informs them about organisations existing around the community.
If you are an elderly or know any elderly person who is struggling from social isolation, let them know that you care.
