Which factor is described as impacting social roles and autonomy in older adults?

• A. Appetite changes
• B. Vision loss
• C. Social isolation
• D. Hearing loss

Answer: (C)

Engagement in social roles and maintaining a sense of autonomy hinge on staying connected with others. When older adults experience social isolation, their opportunities to participate in family roles, community activities, work, and everyday decision-making shrink. That loss of connectedness directly undermines independence and the ability to shape one’s own life, which is what autonomy is all about in practice.

Vision loss and hearing loss can make participation harder and may contribute to withdrawing from activities, but the factor that most directly describes the impact on social roles and autonomy is social isolation itself. Appetite changes affect energy and health, but don’t inherently define one’s social roles; isolation captures the social participation aspect that determines how freely an older adult can act and be involved in their community.