Exploring social detachment among older adults in non-urban Southern Taiwan: a qualitative study

Yulin, an agricultural region and one of Taiwan's the oldest counties, has older adults who may experience loneliness, social isolation, and detachment. This study investigates their attitudes and perspectives regarding social detachment and social connection.

We purposively sampled thirty participants from the Social Detachment Questionnaire for the Older Population (SDQO) study in Yunlin and conducted in-depth interviews to explore perceived social detachment and connection, followed by qualitative thematic analysis.

Five themes and twenty-two subthemes were identified, revealing interrelations among some subthemes. Participants, with a median age of 74, included 14 males and 16 females. Environmental gerontology is examined from social and psychological perspectives, highlighting that socially detached individuals often exhibit disinterest in social interactions, feelings of interiority, and negative personalities traits. Such individuals are harder to reach and are less common in non-urban areas due to strong community ties. Fostering residential attachment and neighbourhood trust, along with community course and activities, effectively mitigate loneliness and social isolation.

Targeted interventions that enhance the quantity and quality of interpersonal relationships are vital for addressing the specific causes of loneliness, social isolation, and detachment, thus improving social connectedness and overall well-being among older adults in Yunlin.