Social isolation

The present-day tendency is for the individual and the community each to operate primarily for their own respective interests; the individual rarely sees himself as responsible for the community and the community does not represent all its individuals. There is resultant lack of mutual concern and involvement and neither party benefits fully. Social isolation can also arise because the person had disabilities which make it difficult for her to function in the community. Formerly institutionalized people, widows and widowers and others who have lost a real or de facto family, may suffer social isolation.