J. E. Isenmila

This study examined the role of social workers and the effects of social isolation on the mental health of older adults in Ovia North East Local Government Area of Edo State, Nigeria. Social isolation, a growing global concern among older populations, has been associated with depression, anxiety, cognitive decline, and reduced overall well-being. In Nigeria, weakening family bonds, increased migration, and socio-economic pressures have heightened the vulnerability of older adults to isolation, yet limited empirical studies exist at the community level. Using a descriptive survey design, data were collected from 100 older adults and 20 social workers through structured questionnaires and interviews. The findings revealed that many older adults experience significant social isolation resulting from widowhood, declining physical health, reduced community interaction, and minimal family contact. The effects on mental health were profound, including persistent sadness, anxiety, loneliness, emotional withdrawal, and reduced life satisfaction. Social workers were found to play important roles in counseling, advocacy, community outreach, and linkage to social and health services; however, their effectiveness was constrained by limited staffing, funding shortages, inadequate training in geriatric mental health, and logistical challenges. The study concludes that social isolation significantly impairs the mental health of older adults in the locality and that social workers, despite their commitment, require stronger institutional support to meet the needs of this growing population. It recommends increased government funding, enhanced community-based programs, improved mental health services, family-centered interventions, and expanded geriatric training for social workers. The study contributes to the body of knowledge on aging, mental health, and social work practice in developing countries and provides a foundation for further research on elderly care and social isolation