Evaluating the Impacts of Social Isolation In Older Adults: Mediators and Moderators

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 the impacts of social isolation in older adults and reviews both mediators and moderators. Developing the current understanding of the health impacts of social isolation and loneliness as well as other aspects of social connection has been part of a larger development regarding the importance of social determinants of health. A major endpoint of this historical trend has been the scientific identification of social isolation as a major risk factor for human mortality, morbidity, and well-being. Loneliness and other aspects of social connection are also emerging potential risk factors for mortality. This chapter considers the evidence for social isolation, loneliness, and other aspects of social connection as potentially causal risk factors for mortality. This course goes on to evaluate mediators and moderators of social isolation and loneliness. This course on the impacts of 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 advanced-level practitioners who 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 the impacts of social isolation and loneliness in older adults. Specifically, a professional will: Describe what is known about social connections as a determinant of health and longevity. Describe the impacts of social isolation, loneliness, and social support on mortality. Identify behavioral, psychological, and biological mediators of social isolation in older adults. Identify factors that moderate mortality and health outcomes 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. Chapters 2 and 5