From the Guidelines
Social isolation can be reduced by prioritizing regular social interaction through community groups, volunteer work, or religious organizations, as well as creating a consistent routine of reaching out to friends and family members at least weekly. To address social isolation, it is essential to consider the various factors that contribute to it, including physical distance from others, lack of transportation, health limitations, loss of social roles, and digital barriers 1.
Key Factors Contributing to Social Isolation
- Physical distance from others
- Lack of transportation
- Health limitations
- Loss of social roles
- Digital barriers
Strategies to Reduce Social Isolation
- Joining clubs based on personal interests, taking classes, or participating in exercise groups can create meaningful connections
- Technology can bridge physical gaps through video calls, social media, and online communities, though digital literacy support may be needed for some
- Seeking transportation assistance through community services or rideshare programs can increase access to social activities for those with mobility issues
- Mental health support through counseling or therapy may be beneficial, as conditions like depression and anxiety can both cause and worsen isolation 1 According to a recent study published in The Lancet Healthy Longevity, practitioners should assess an individual’s perceived loneliness and social isolation and refer individuals to local social assistance programmes when necessary 1. Additionally, a study published in the Annual Review of Clinical Psychology found that behavioral interventions targeting social isolation in people with severe mental disorder can be effective in increasing social networks 1. Overall, reducing social isolation requires a multifaceted approach that addresses the various factors contributing to it and provides individuals with the support and resources they need to build and maintain social connections.
From the Research
Contributors to Social Isolation
- Older age is a significant contributor to social isolation, with older adults being at a higher risk of experiencing loneliness and social isolation 2
- Mental health problems, including depression and anxiety, can also contribute to social isolation 3
- Living in disadvantaged urban areas can increase the risk of social isolation among older adults 4
- Lack of social relationships and social support can contribute to social isolation 5
Reducing or Improving Social Isolation
- Interventions such as social prescribing, social activity, physical activity, psychological therapies, and animal-assisted therapies can be effective in reducing social isolation 2
- Community-based interventions, such as group sessions and social activities, can help reduce social isolation among older adults 4
- Acts of kindness, such as doing one act of kindness per week, can reduce loneliness and social isolation, and improve mental health and neighborhood relationships 6
- Individualized approaches to interventions, including shared decision-making, can be effective in reducing social isolation 2
- The use of technology, such as video conferencing and online social platforms, can help reduce social isolation among older adults 2
Effective Interventions
- Cognitive modification for subjective social isolation, and interventions with mixed strategies and supported socialization for objective social isolation, may be promising interventions 3
- Interventions that are adaptable, community-based, and focus on productive engagement, may be more effective in reducing social isolation 5
- Interventions that promote social support, such as social prescribing and group sessions, can be effective in reducing social isolation 2, 4