Elderly Losing Their Place... "Social Connection is Important" [Elderly Mind Link]

②Collapsed Social Networks
337,837 People Aged 60+ with Depression
Need for Customized Welfare in the 'Era of Nuclear Individuals'

Recently, it has become common for the elderly to experience social isolation due to retirement, the loss of a spouse, and physical decline. When social networks collapse like this, it can lead to depression and even self-harm or suicide. Ultimately, there is a growing call for the formation of social capital that connects each individual to family, friends, and the local community.

Elderly participants in the Health Century Exercise Class are doing yoga at the Wuman Senior Center in Suwon, Gyeonggi Province. Photo by Kang Jin-hyung

◆Most Experience Loneliness and a Sense of Loss

According to the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service on the 5th, the number of patients aged 60 and over who received medical treatment for depression steadily increased from 314,346 in 2019, 315,546 in 2020, 323,550 in 2021, 334,235 in 2022, to 337,837 in 2023. As of last year, the number of men and women in their 60s was 369,371 and 807,389 respectively; men and women in their 70s were 266,023 and 623,706; and men and women aged 80 and above were 144,544 and 360,795. Considering those who avoid hospitals due to concerns about social stigma, it is estimated that even more elderly people suffer from depression.

In old age, physical functions weaken, and exposure to various diseases such as chronic illnesses leads to experiences of loneliness and loss. Most elderly people who attempt suicide suffer from depression. In fact, the number of self-harm and suicide attempts among the elderly has not decreased over the years. According to the 'Emergency Room Visits for Self-Harm and Suicide Attempts' data from the National Medical Center and Central Emergency Medical Center, cases involving those aged 60 and over slightly increased from 6,539 in 2018 to 6,618 in 2022. This accounts for about 15% of all emergency visits for self-harm and suicide attempts.

◆The More Social Capital, the Less Suicidal Thoughts

Multiple studies have confirmed that social capital is effective in controlling depression and suicidal thoughts among the elderly. A study titled ‘The Mediating Effect of Depression Moderated by Social Support on the Relationship Between Elderly Loss and Suicidal Thoughts’ surveyed 379 individuals aged 65 and older living in the Honam region, investigating loss, suicidal thoughts, depression, and social support. The results showed that the lower the social support, the greater the impact of depression caused by loss on suicidal thoughts. This suggests that strengthening social support helps reduce suicide rates. Here, social support refers to the feeling of being cared for, respected, and belonging within a network of connections. It includes all actions that fulfill physical, material, and emotional needs in relationships with family, friends, neighbors, and others.

The study ‘The Effect of Elderly Depression on Suicidal Ideation’ surveyed 258 participants aged 65 and older and conducted correlation and exploratory factor analyses. It found that the greater an individual's personal social capital, the less depression influenced suicidal ideation. This means that forming close relationships with many people is effective in preventing suicide. Community social capital also showed that the more abundant it is, the less depression affects suicidal thoughts. Interaction with community members and participation in organizations can reduce suicide risk.

The researcher emphasized, "To prevent the current elderly suicide problem in South Korea, therapeutic interventions are necessary so that many elderly people showing depressive symptoms can receive active treatment. To solve the elderly suicide issue, it is very important to intervene at the individual level to enhance both the quantitative and qualitative aspects of intimate social networks, considering the changing family structures. Overall improvements in the living environment for elderly residents in local communities and strengthening bonds with neighborhood residents are needed. Fundamentally, welfare policies are required to compensate for the reduction in family relationships."

※If you have difficult feelings such as depression or know family or acquaintances experiencing such difficulties, you can receive 24-hour professional counseling by calling the suicide prevention hotline ☎109.