What are the factors for prevention, reduction, improvement, and mitigation of social isolation?

From the Guidelines

To prevent and reduce social isolation, individuals should prioritize regular social activities, maintain connections with family and friends through in-person visits and technology, and participate in community groups aligned with their interests, as recommended by the most recent study 1.

Key Factors for Prevention and Reduction of Social Isolation

• Regular social activities to maintain social connections and a sense of community
• Technology, such as video calls and social media, to complement in-person interactions
• Participation in community groups, clubs, volunteering, or classes to meet people with similar interests
• Structured interventions like cognitive behavioral therapy to address negative thought patterns contributing to withdrawal
• Community-based programs, such as senior centers, buddy systems, and transportation services, to support vulnerable populations

Importance of Assessment and Referral

• Practitioners should assess an individual's perceived loneliness and social isolation, and refer them to local social assistance programs when necessary, as suggested by 1
• Routine screening for loneliness using tools like the 3-item UCLA Loneliness Scale, and open-ended questions to allow individuals to express their feelings freely

Role of Technology and Community Support

• Technology, such as tablets or smartphones, can facilitate online social engagement and support, but may require additional explanation and support, as noted in 1
• Virtual networks and platforms can be used for joint activities and virtual visiting lounges for social contacts
• Creative solutions, such as Virtual Reality, can offer people with dementia in isolation the opportunity to meet with their family in a simulated environment

Prioritizing Social Connection and Community Engagement

• Social connection is fundamental to human wellbeing and health outcomes, and should be prioritized in clinical practice, as emphasized by 1
• Age-friendly communities with accessible public spaces and transportation can mitigate isolation by enabling participation in community life
• Physical health maintenance through regular exercise, proper nutrition, and adequate sleep supports mental wellbeing and social engagement capacity, as highlighted in 1 and 1

From the Research

Factors for Prevention, Reduction, Improvement, and Mitigation of Social Isolation

The following factors can help prevent, reduce, improve, and mitigate social isolation:

• Group-based physical activity, which can improve social connectedness and help prevent social isolation and loneliness among older adults 2
• Social participation and interaction with friends, which can affect a wide range of health and well-being outcomes among older adults 3
• Behavioural activation, a psychosocial intervention that can mitigate the psychological impacts of social isolation, particularly among older adults with long-term conditions 4
• Practical interventions by nurses, such as contacting peer counselors, referring patients to support groups, and helping patients use Internet-based supports, which can address social isolation on an individual and societal level 5
• Community-based models, such as adjusting the processes and modalities used to deliver programs and services to older adults through the aging social services network, which can improve social connectivity during times of physical distancing 6

Key Components of Social Isolation Interventions

Some key components of interventions to prevent, reduce, improve, and mitigate social isolation include:

• Improving social connectedness through group-based activities 2
• Enhancing social participation and interaction with friends 3
• Providing psychosocial interventions, such as behavioural activation, to mitigate the psychological impacts of social isolation 4
• Addressing individual and societal factors that contribute to social isolation, such as limited mobility and lack of transportation 5
• Capitalizing on existing practices in the field to provide distanced connectivity and mitigate social isolation risk 6

Target Populations for Social Isolation Interventions

The following populations may benefit from interventions to prevent, reduce, improve, and mitigate social isolation:

• Older adults, particularly those with long-term conditions 2, 3, 4
• Individuals with chronic illness, who are especially vulnerable to social isolation 5
• Older adults who are underserved and/or marginalized, who can be reached through the aging social services network 6