From the Guidelines
Social isolation can be effectively mitigated by prioritizing regular social interaction, technology-based connections, and community engagement, as supported by the most recent and highest quality study 1. The contributors to social isolation include geographic distance from loved ones, mobility limitations, loss of social connections through retirement or bereavement, health conditions, and technological barriers. To address these factors, individuals can take several steps:
- Prioritize regular social interaction through community groups, volunteer work, or religious organizations
- Utilize technology, such as video calls and social media, to bridge distances and connect with others, with digital literacy support as needed
- Create routine social commitments, like weekly coffee dates or exercise classes, to establish consistent human connection
- For those with mobility issues, consider transportation services, home visits, or online communities to provide accessibility
- Mental health support through counseling can help address underlying issues like anxiety or depression that contribute to isolation
- Pet ownership can provide companionship and structure, while community centers, senior programs, and intergenerational activities offer valuable opportunities for meaningful engagement Key strategies to reduce social isolation include:
- Assessing an individual’s perceived loneliness and social isolation, and referring them to local social assistance programs as necessary 1
- Encouraging participation in everyday activities, such as listening to music or audiobooks, and maintaining social support through regular check-ins by family members 1
- Investing in creative solutions, such as Virtual Reality, to offer people with dementia in isolation the opportunity to meet with their family in a simulated environment 1 By taking small, consistent steps toward social connection, individuals can effectively mitigate social isolation and improve their overall well-being, as supported by the latest research 1.
From the Research
Contributors to Social Isolation
- Mental health conditions can contribute to social isolation, with people experiencing mental health problems being more likely to experience social isolation than the general population 2, 3
- Social exclusion can have detrimental effects, leading to loneliness and social isolation, and can be triggered by various factors such as lack of social support or negative social interactions 4
- Poor social circumstances, including housing and homelessness, money and basic needs, work and education, and social isolation, can induce, exacerbate, and prolong symptoms of mental health conditions 5
Mitigations for Social Isolation
- Social interventions, such as social support and social skills training, can be effective in reducing social isolation and loneliness 6, 3
- Digital interventions, such as online support groups and virtual reality interventions, may also be effective in alleviating social isolation, although more research is needed to determine their effectiveness 2
- Face-to-face conversations with friends, either before or after social exclusion, can help mitigate the negative effects of social exclusion and promote recovery 4
- Interventions that improve social circumstances, such as Housing First and Individual Placement and Support, can also have a positive impact on social isolation and mental health outcomes 5
- Supported socialization and social skills training can be effective in improving objective social isolation, while interventions such as cognitive modification may be promising for subjective social isolation 3