Mapping the Dynamic Complexity of Social Isolation Among Older Adults in Singapore

Abstract

This study aims to develop a causal map of social isolation among older people that incorporates feedback to inform system-wide interventions. For this study, conducted between September 2019 and November 2019, 19 Senior Activity Centres (SACs) were first contacted, of which 10 responded and 5 agreed to participate. Based on an in-depth qualitative interview with 21 older people (50 years and older) who frequently attended Senior Activity Centres (SACs) in Singapore, a series of causal maps were generated and synthesized to describe the complex dynamic mechanisms of social isolation. Using thematic analysis based on grounded theory, 13 feedback loops (outputs of a system routed back as inputs as part of a chain of cause-and-effect) were elicited and categorized into 4 domains: (a) health and wellbeing, (b) income and unemployment, (c) relationships with family and friends, and (d) behavior and personality. These domains were found to be the most salient factors influencing social isolation. A qualitative mapping approach based on System Dynamics Methodology can provide a comprehensive understanding of the system-level factors of social isolation among older people.