Social isolation has serious repercussions for people and communities across the globe, yet knowledge about this phenomenon has remained rather limited – until now. The first multidisciplinary study to explore this issue, Social Isolation in Modern Society integrates relevant research traditions in the social sciences and brings together sociological theories of social networks and psychological theories of feelings of loneliness. Both traditions are embedded in research, with the results of a large-scale international study being used to describe the extent, nature and divergent manifestations of social isolation. With a new approach to social inequality, this empirically based study includes concrete policy recommendations, and presents a clear insight into personal, social and socio-economic causes and the consequences of social isolation.

Critical strategies for confronting a dire, yet under-addressed societal epidemic—the risky and potentially deadly consequences for older adults living a socially isolated life, are the focus for this book. By documenting our current understanding of the complex and multi-dimensional nature of social isolation among elders, the authors highlight innovative and alternative forms of community and later-life relationships that can serve to forestall or prevent social isolation and loneliness. With contributions from recognized scholars, clinicians, and elder-policy activists, as well as from multiple practice perspectives (direct service providers, administrators, researchers, and educators) the book documents the interrelated issues of social relationships and health in late life. It describes creative programs and intervention techniques that help maintain the integrity of an older adult’s individual, group, and community relations, communication pathways, and a sense of belonging. The book also illuminates multidisciplinary and integrated best practices for minimizing the risk of late life social isolation. Case studies showcase the issues that arise in clinical practice and service delivery and demonstrate proven methods for effectively addressing them. Key Features: Delivers best-practice strategies and interventions for bolstering older adult social health and community engagement Written by top scholars in the gerontology community Explores the life-threatening risks and consequences of social isolation for older adults and their families Describes the wide range of social relationships that can determine the extent to which older adults will be at risk of becoming socially isolated Considers the role that older adult diversity and difference plays in determining quality of life and the integrity of relationships Highlights physical, behavioral, environmental, social, and economic forces that can influence the quality of late life relationships

Ageing, meaning and social structure is a unique book advancing critical discourse in gerontology and makes a major contribution to understanding key social and ethical dilemmas facing ageing societies. It confronts and integrates approaches that have been relatively isolated from each other, and interrelates two major streams of thought within critical gerontology: analyses of structural issues in the context of political economy and humanistic perspectives on issues of existential meaning. The chapters, from a wide range of contributors, focus on major issues in ageing such as autonomy, agency, frailty, lifestyle, social isolation, dementia and professional challenges in social work and participatory research. This volume should be valuable reading for scholars and graduate students in gerontology and humanistic studies, as well as for policy makers and practitioners working in the field of ageing.

Celebrating the 40th anniversary of the Leisure Sciences journal, this book focuses on where it and leisure sciences (as a field) started and what the future might hold for both. The foremost scholars in our field dialogue, debate, critique, and reflect on leisure studies’ progress and future. Authors consider and write about the key issues and controversies of the field, developments we should be celebrating, and directions of study we should be pursing. Scholars also consider research gaps that exist in leisure research, issues we should be thinking about, and where we are now in relation to where previous projections expected. Topics in this book include: race, ethnicity, immigration, and leisure; ‘risky’ leisure research; critical leisure studies; leisure and social isolation; radical leisure; and post-qualitative radical ontology. The chapters were originally published as a special issue of Leisure Sciences.

Providing an account of loneliness and social isolation as experienced by older people living in Britain, this book considers the incidence and effects of isolation and loneliness, identifying the factors which lead to such experiences and considering potential interventions.

This book examines how social interaction and relationships influence the brain in aging. Using a case study on the elderly population in a rapidly aging society, the authors effectively integrate different levels of data from social connection to socioeconomic information, psychological functioning, and cognitive and brain measures.

Approaches to Monasticism in the Context of Christian Responses to Modern Culture is a study of how the values and practices of monasticism are being shaped by the shift to a cultural understanding of Christianity in modern times. The values and practices of traditional monasticism are contrasted with those of various expressions of new monasticism against the background of a multicultural and fluid social environment in an effort to find some reciprocal illumination. The study aims to describe monasticism in terms of authenticity and lived religion. Kevin Maddy was educated at Cambridge University and has recently completed a PhD at Radboud University, Nijmegen. He currently works in Canterbury as an Anglican parish priest, and is a probationary member of the Society of the Resurrection.

Using evidence from anthropology, neuroscience, psychiatry, analytical psychology, and evolutionary biology, within this book Dr. Erik Goodwyn explores the current cultural psyche, and how elements of modern society are contributing to the current loneliness epidemic. Despite tremendous advances in technology, developed countries are more anxious, depressed, suicidal, and addicted today than we were 100 years ago. Why? Research from many fields of study show that loneliness has become an epidemic in the industrialized world, causing very real medical consequences such as addiction, depression, anxiety, and suicide: all things which have been on the rise for decades. And yet, because of various historical, philosophical, and economic reasons, we do not nurture traditional cultural ways of satisfying these instincts. This book will explore the idea that stopping the rising misery will not only require socioeconomic changes, but will require a profound cultural change. Only then will we be able to stop the slow starvation of social belonging, archetypal narratives, rituals, spirituality, and images as vessels of meaning. This will be an insightful read for depth psychologists and scholars of analytical psychology, as well as health care providers, therapists, sociologists, and those with an interest in cross-cultural studies.

Men have largely lost their way in modern society. Our culture still prepares boys for manhood that is primarily based on the traditional roles of Hunter/Provider and Warrior/Protector from the Old World. These belief systems and behavior expectations—commonly known as "toxic masculinity"—once effectively protected our communities but are now creating significant problems of their own. "Toxic masculinity" teaches boys to "Man Up" to be "strong and independent." However, this requires that males neglect the basic human needs of themselves and other community members—causing chronic illness, addiction, mental health issues, and violence. The range of negative impacts for both Self and Community as a direct result of these expectations and belief systems is staggering and growing by the day. It does not have to be like this! The problems facing men in modern society are extensive, but the keys to overcoming these obstacles lies within our genetic programming as social beings. All human beings are biologically designed to heal ourselves, to heal each other, and to meet our potential for personal growth in the safety of supportive relationships. The problem lies with the outdated expectations of traditional manhood, which have not yet caught up with the health and wellness needs of men and women alike in modern society. This book addresses solutions borrowed from research studies across a multidisciplinary approach—from Psychology, Anthropology, Religion and Philosophy—to show how a meaningful community-based lifestyle has always been the answer when it comes to health and wellness. Men must reintegrate this natural balance back into our Humanity to fulfill our sacred obligation as Providers, Protectors and Guardians--servant leaders—of an emerging Global Community.

Visual continuity in sequels poses a daunting challenge for filmmakers as they strive to maintain coherence while expanding upon established narratives and visual aesthetics. With cinema's evolution, audiences' expectations have grown more sophisticated, demanding seamless transitions and immersive experiences across film series. However, achieving this continuity requires a delicate balance between honoring the original work and introducing innovative elements to captivate viewers. Addressing this complication is the book, Studies on Cinematography and Narrative in Film: Sequels, Serials, and Trilogies, which emerges with a comprehensive approach. By delving into the interplay between cinematography and narrative structure, this book offers invaluable insights for filmmakers seeking to navigate the complexities of sequel production. Through meticulous analysis of prominent film series and theoretical frameworks, it provides a roadmap for achieving visual coherence while pushing creative boundaries.