Social isolation

A state of limited or absent social contact and meaningful relationships, recognized as a significant risk factor for poor physical and mental health outcomes, particularly among older adults and people with disabilities. Social isolation can result from physical barriers (mobility limitations, inaccessible environments), sensory impairments (hearing loss making conversation difficult), geographic factors (living in rural areas), or digital exclusion (inability to use online communication tools). Research has shown that online support communities can help mitigate social isolation for older adults by providing spaces for emotional support, information exchange, and community building, though effective design must account for varying levels of digital literacy and the different types of support people seek. Addressing social isolation is increasingly recognized as an accessibility concern, extending the field beyond technical access to information toward meaningful social participation.