Social isolation and loneliness are growing public health concern in older people. In particular older people from migrant communities who are living with dementia face unique challenges that profoundly impact their well-being.
This abstract explores the interplay of social isolation, loneliness, and frailty among this vulnerable demographic, presenting insights gathered from empirical research and community engagement. Social isolation emerges as a pervasive phenomenon, often exacerbated by language barriers, cultural stigma, lack of family and/or limited access to culturally appropriate support networks. The absence of meaningful social interactions and engagement advances a profound sense of loneliness, fostering emotional distress and exacerbating further cognitive decline among individuals living with dementia. Frailty emerges as a silent predictor, further compromising the resilience and autonomy of elderly individuals living with dementia. The frailty phenotype, characterised by physical vulnerability, functional decline, and diminished resilience, not only exacerbates the progression of dementia but also amplifies the deleterious effects of social isolation and loneliness on overall well-being. Drawing from a synthesis of two studies, we present an overview of three interventions which are holistic and community-driven and tailored to the unique needs and cultural contexts of CaLD communities. These interventions are: Befriending, GENIE a computer generated tool, and music engagement. These interventions, whether implemented separately or in combination, have proven effective in cultivating culturally competent support networks, fostering social connections, and promoting community engagement. These strategies emerge as pivotal in mitigating social isolation, alleviating loneliness, and enhancing resilience among elderly individuals living with dementia.