What is Social isolation?
'''Social isolation''' is having little or no [[wikt:contact|contact]] with [[society]]. It often comes from being [[Social rejection|rejected]] by society. It is different to [[loneliness]], which comes from a temporary lack of contact. Social isolation is different because it lasts a long time and is done on purpose. Social isolation sometimes begins early in life. It is often caused from being [[unemployed]], sick or [[discrimination|discriminated]]. Anybody of any age can be affected. Social isolation can mean staying home alone for a long time. Not seeing or speaking with anybody, even on the phone - this includes not answering if the call or try to talk first. Social isolation can also mean not having relationships, friendships or family connections that last a long time. == Causes == The reasons for social isolation can begin at any stage in life, including early childhood. Growing up brings many emotions that are hard to deal with, this can cause people to stop sharing all of their feelings, which makes them feel alone from a young age. Older people are more likely to be affected by social isolation. This can be because with old age health of both the mind and the body get worse, making it harder to be in contact with society; old people are also more likely to not have a lot of money which can cause problems. Also, death of loved ones comes with old age, this doesn’t only make their social circle smaller, but also makes it more difficult for them to socialise again, as it can be emotionally painful.<ref>{{Cite journal|last1=Fakoya|first1=Olujoke A.|last2=McCorry|first2=Noleen K.|last3=Donnelly|first3=Michael|date=2020-02-14|title=Loneliness and social isolation interventions for older adults: a scoping review of reviews|journal=BMC Public Health|volume=20|issue=1|pages=129|doi=10.1186/s12889-020-8251-6|issn=1471-2458|pmc=7020371|pmid=32054474 |doi-access=free }}</ref> Some data shows that Gay, Lesbian and Transgender people are more likely to be socially isolated because they are less likely to have