The Fondation de France has been exploring the issue of relational isolation for several years. The specificity of the approach favored by the Fondation de France consists in specifically measuring the frequency of contacts within the five main social networks (family, friends, neighbors, work colleagues or members of an association).
In 2018, the Fondation de France, together with Credoc, examined the loneliness of people declaring a disability or a chronic or long-term illness. It undertook to grasp the consequences of this situation of isolation in the various areas of life and to identify the levers that allow despite everything the development of a social life? Among these levers, the use of digital technology. Does it allow to limit or on the contrary to reinforce the feeling of loneliness?
To answer these questions, CREDOC surveyed 3,500 people aged 18 and over living in France, in ordinary housing or in a medical-social establishment.
The survey results clearly show this experience of a hindered social life, due to illness or disability.
- 52% of people with an illness or disability report that their illness or disability has a negative impact on their daily outings.
- Eight out of ten isolated people affected by illness or disability report a need for help in managing their illness/disability.
- 74% of them rely more on healthcare professionals than on their families (63%) in case of difficulties.
Digital technology allows you to keep in touch with your loved ones
In addition to physical contact, the use of digital technology is an opportunity to maintain links with loved ones.40% of people reporting an illness or disability in isolation are in written contact (internet, email, etc.) with their loved ones at least several times a month.
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44% of them are in "live" contact (by phone, Skype, etc.) at least several times a month with their loved ones, which is 24 points less than all isolated people, and 18 points less than people who say they are disabled and/or ill.
While digital technology is sometimes a satisfactory substitute for physical contact, and " in some cases , it allows people to make new contacts, even over the long term, particularly via discussion forums," the authors of the study wonder whether the comfort offered by this practice does not, on the other hand, "contribute to locking these people into their homes.
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