Interventions for Social Isolation and Loneliness In Older Adults

Course overview

This course is based upon material published by the National Academies Press and is available as an open-access article. Human beings are social by nature, and high-quality social relationships are vital for health and well-being. However, like many other social determinants of health, social isolation (an objective lack of social contact with others) and loneliness (the subjective feeling of being isolated) are significant yet underappreciated public health risks. Social isolation and loneliness are associated with poor physical and mental health outcomes, including higher mortality rates, depression, and cognitive decline. Recent research documents the high prevalence of social isolation and loneliness among older adults. This course includes part of a more extensive report. Specifically, it reviews interventions for social isolation and loneliness in older adults. Varied approaches have been used to mitigate the negative health impacts of social isolation and loneliness. This chapter first describes a number of large-scale efforts to review the effectiveness of interventions for social isolation or loneliness, with a focus on several approaches that are specific to health care settings. Next, the role of technology is considered, both as an intervention tool and a factor that exacerbates or contributes to social isolation and loneliness. Then, ethical issues pertaining to interventions are discussed, and potential funding sources for interventions are explored. Finally, the committee suggests ways to reframe interventions using a public health approach. This course on interventions for social isolation and loneliness in older adults is designed for social workers, professional counselors, psychologists, nurses, and substance abuse counselors who do clinical work. In addition, this course is appropriate for intermediate and advanced level practitioners who wish to work with older adults. The course material includes interventions, research, and theory. It may also be useful for licensed clinicians who require clinical continuing education courses for license renewal. The course is based on an extensive research report. It contains statistical analysis and data that some clinicians enjoy reading and others do not. A significant benefit of reading research-based articles for continuing education is that they provide practitioners with the latest findings in their field and contribute to evidence-based practice. Authors: National Academies Press Learning Objectives: This course will provide the practitioner with detailed information regarding interventions for social isolation and loneliness in older adults. Specifically, a professional will: Describe seminal findings from large-scale reviews of interventions for social isolation and loneliness. Describe types of interventions for social isolation relevant to the health care system. Identify technological interventions for loneliness and social isolation. Recognize common ethical and practical considerations for interventions for older adults with social isolation. Summarize suggested methods for financing interventions for older adults who experience social isolation and loneliness. Citation: National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine 2020. Social Isolation and Loneliness in Older Adults: Opportunities for the Health Care System. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. Chapter 9 https://doi.org/10.17226/25663.