Impact of Social Isolation on Dietary Intake in the Elderly

Abstract

Social isolation has come to be widely acknowledged as a serious public health concern for the elderly. Its effects are extensive, often leaving an impact on both physical and mental health while gradually influencing eating patterns, lowering appetite, and ultimately affecting overall nutritional well-being. To assess the impact of social isolation on the eating patterns and dietary choices of individuals aged 60 and above. This cross-sectional study involves 95 socially isolated elderly individuals who are over the age of 60 living in isolation in different areas of Lahore, Pakistan. Participants were selected using a convenience sampling technique, and information was gathered using a structured questionnaire covering demographics, lifestyle factors, and dietary intake patterns. The collected data were then analyzed using SPSS version 25. Our results show 22 (23.16%) individuals always ate alone, and 24 (25.3%) stated that social isolation had a great impact on their eating habits. About 24 (25.26%) of the elderly lost their appetite due to eating alone, and 39 (41.05%) skipped meals at times due to loneliness. Approximately 29 (30.53%) drank tea and coffee daily, while many frequently consumed fried foods and sweets, which shows a reliance on comfort foods that impacts their nutritional health. Social isolation considerably alters dietary behavior in the elderly, often resulting in poor nutrition and increased health risks. Addressing this issue requires integrated community-based interventions that promote social engagement, improve access to nutritious foods, and provide emotional support to improve dietary habits and overall well-being among older adults.