ABSTRACT
Isolation can arise in different ways but it tends to take two major forms: the failure, for whatever reason, to establish a durable, accessible and reasonably extensive network of companions; or usually gradual, but sometimes sudden, loss of such a network. Time is an important factor in the equations linking isolation and loneliness. Townsend has shown that loneliness among the widowed tends to decline with the passage of time. Since isolation and loneliness are usually the product of fundamental changes or processes in the life situation of old person, it would be unrealistic to expect social visiting and support to do more than mitigate these problems in any but the most exceptional cases. Provision for old people in need of social visiting and support is largely piecemeal. The local authority provides support in some crises and caring situations, but in others it seems to be uninformed of the needs of old people, or unable to provide the staff to help.
