ABSTRACT:
Background: Social isolation is the absence of relationships with family of friends on an person level, and with society on a broader level, especially the elderly who suffering from health or psychological illness which may lead to early death. Objective: To assess the social problems among elderly people at geriatric homes in the Middle Euphrates Governorates. Methodology: A descriptive correlation analytical study included a purposive (non –probability) sample of (82) elderly was selected for the present study. The data had been collection from 17th February 2016 to 3rd April 2016. Data were collected through the use of the constructed questionnaire and the process of interviewing to elderly people. Data were analyzed through the application of descriptive statistical analysis (percentage, frequency and inferential data analysis) (Chi-square) with (SPSS, Version 20). Results: The findings of the study indicate that most of the samples (45.1%) have moderate social isolation level, (36.6 %) have severe social isolation level and (18.3%) of the samples has mild social isolation. There is a high significant relationship in social isolation level with socio-demographic data (age, age at admission, residence years in geriatric homes, previous professions, educational level, social status, and economic status), there was a significant relationship in social isolation level with socio-demographic data (gender, financial support by family, financial resources). Conclusion: All elderly people affected with the social problems in different levels and no significant relationship between financial support by family and financial sources and between males and females in a changing sex with social problems. Recommendations: The studies recommend to promotion, social support programs for elderly people and provide all possible means of support.