Social isolation and loneliness among urban older people: a study of Cooch Behar municipal town, West Bengal, India

Abstract

Purpose Alienation and isolation is an off-seen social aspect of gerontological crises. The purpose of this paper is to focus on the social isolation and loneliness of older people that emerge from inadequate integration with the social network, coupled with increasing social chasm between the aged and the young. The sample population is Cooch Behar municipal town, West Bengal, India. Design/methodology/approach To conduct the study, data have been collected through a questionnaire followed by purposive random sampling and analyzed with the help of loneliness scale and correlated variables. Findings The study reveals that marital status, social network, social class and health are some of the parameters that influence the level of social isolation and loneliness among the older people. Originality/value The result highlights the importance of social relationships and interaction on the ageing process.