The elderly isolate.
Isolates do not differ from other elderly people in respect of their medical illnesses. They do differ in their ability to cope. When well, they cope better than do non-isolates. However, when incapacitated by sickness, they require supportive help services more often and if these are lacking, are more likely to be admitted to a nursing home. Loneliness, alcohol dependence and depression are more often problems of the isolate.
D000368:Aged; D001315:Australia; D006296:Health Services / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006305:Health Status Indicators; D006801:Humans; D009017:Morbidity; D012934:Social Isolation; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors