Social Support in Older Adulthood

Course overview

This training examines social support as a critical, and often under-assessed, determinant of health, function, and treatment engagement among older adults. Drawing on research from psychology, gerontology, and public health, participants will explore how the presence, quality, and stability of social relationships shape outcomes including depression, anxiety, cognitive decline, chronic disease management, and care adherence. Particular attention is given to older adults facing compounded risks: Social isolation, caregiver strain, loss, disability, poverty, and marginalization. A dedicated section addresses intergenerational contact as both a support strategy and an evidence-based tool for reducing ageism in healthcare providers as well as in older adults who have internalized negative age stereotypes. Finally, this session emphasizes practical application. Participants will leave with concrete assessment questions, intervention strategies, and referral resources they can integrate immediately into care planning, interdisciplinary collaboration, and everyday clinical encounters with aging populations.