Year: 2025 | Month: April | Volume: 15 | Issue: 4 | Pages: 73-80
DOI: https://doi.org/10.52403/ijhsr.20250411
A Review on Recreational Therapy among the Elderly to Prevent Social Isolation and Loneliness: A Concept Paper
Lissy John1, Dr. Bindhu Mathew2, Dr. Aravind Kasturi3
1PhD Scholar, St. John’s College of Nursing, Bangalore under Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences.
2Principal, St. John’s College of Nursing, Bangalore, Karnataka
3Head of Geriatric Centre, St. John’s Medical College, Bangalore, Karnataka
Corresponding Author: Lissy John
ABSTRACT
Recreation includes all the activities done in the leisure time for enjoyment or relaxation to refresh the mind and body and improve overall well-being. Recreational therapy is the treatment that can reduce stress and enhance happiness and fulfilment in life. Ageing has become a global issue which causes changes in physical, social, mental, and physiological processes. Loneliness and social isolation have emerged as critical risk factors for adverse health outcomes, including mental disorders, cardiovascular disease, and cognitive decline1. Studies also reveal that loneliness and social isolation can impact the central features of the brain and cognitive ageing2. There are various causes of social isolation and loneliness, which can be individual, family-related, or societal. It is usually the perceived causes rather than the actual causes for social isolation and loneliness3.
Conclusion: The targeted interventions of recreational therapy (e.g., art and craft, brain exercises, cooking and baking, outdoor activities, music therapy, and pet therapy) can improve socialization and creativity. This approach can prevent social isolation and loneliness among the elderly before they lead to adverse health outcomes4.
Key words: Recreational Therapy, social isolation, loneliness, ageing.