SOCIAL ISOLATION OF ELDERLY PEOPLE IN URBAN SPACES

Abstract

The growing number of problems experienced by the elderly living in the cities of Kazakhstan, who experience social isolation, are causing a new perspective on the problem. The purpose of the research is to examine the impact of social and spatial isolation on daily activities and the loneliness perception of elderly people living in Kazakhstan cities. 78 senior citizens participated in this study from these three locations; they filled out questionnaires which were then used to collect data regarding their loneliness levels as well as how often they feel cut off from others around them due to where they reside. The responses were analyzed statistically through SPSS software version 27 for Windows which employed both descriptive statistics techniques alongside the correlation analysis method to reveal any possible relationships existing among different variables considered by researchers during the investigation process. It is suggested that in Kazakhstan cities, research is needed to develop comprehensive programs that take into account social status and resource accessibility as well as the necessity for social contacts and support of family ties. Study results can be used to work out effective strategies aimed at preventing and overcoming social isolation among old people living in towns of Kazakhstan thus improving their life quality and creating a friendlier environment for citizens of all age groups. The findings of the research emphasize the importance of purposeful assistance to elderly persons for their social integration to improve their quality of life and makethe urban environment more friendly to all groups of the population. Keywords: social isolation, elderly individuals, urban space, Kazakhstan, loneliness, social connections.