Social Isolation Basics & Materials
Nutrition programs are tasked not only with providing access to nutritious food, but with strengthening connections and reducing social isolation for the older adults they serve. Older adults are at increased risk for loneliness and social isolation because of factors like living alone, loss of family or friends, or chronic illness. Discover methods to increase social connection and decrease isolation amongst older adults.
Briefs
- Supporting the Mental Health Needs of Older Adults— SAMHSA State Program Improvement Technical Assistance brief reference document
- Mental Health and Aging in America— CDC issue briefs
- Addressing Social Isolation, Loneliness, and Elevated Suicidality Among Older Adults
During COVID-19 and Beyond — Brief on a partially nested randomized control trial
of the BE WITH Innovation
Infographics
- The Benefits of Eating With Others — Graphic on the positive impact of congregate meals
Quick Guides
- Assessing for Suicide in Community-Based Research — Tips from the HOPE Lab at
Georgia State University and the AgeWell Lab at Virginia Tech - Project HELLO — Multiphase effort to engage older adults in Rhode Island by utilizing volunteers
- Easing Social Isolation — Tips from New Jersey Division of Aging Services
- Guided Imagery Relaxation — Activity guide
- Options for Remote Connection — Strategies to promote socialization of older adults
- Loneliness and Social Isolation Linked to Serious Health Conditions— CDC information on health risks and links to community resources
- Social Isolation Resource Guide — List of resources to combat social isolation and loneliness, compiled by Dane County AAA
Guides
- Health, Well-Being, and/or Social Connections in a Remote Environment — Highlighting programs demonstrating best practices in the areas of socialization and well checks
- Addressing Social Isolation in Older Adults During COVID-19— Resource from ADvancing States
- Depression: Not a Normal Part of Growing Older— Information and links to resources from the CDC
- Older Adults and Mental Health— Warning signs of mental health disorders and additional resources from NIH
Fact Sheets
- Social Wellness Tip Sheet — Tips for assessing whether participants are building and engaging in trusting, respectful, and authentic relationships
- Meaningful Connection and Better Health through Congregate Meals — How ACL’s Senior Nutrition Program combats loneliness and social isolation
- Managing Loneliness— NIHCM infographic
- Social Connections Among Older Adults and People with Disabilities— NCI-AD data spotlight on impact of social isolation
- Tools for Reaching a Remote Audience— NCOA comparison of platforms for delivering remote services
Tools & Toolkits
- Senior Nutrition Program Two-Minute Promotional Video (YouTube)— Video focused on connection and social aspects of senior nutrition programs
- Social Wellness Checklists — NIH resources with ideas for creating positive social habits
- Commit to Connect — ACL campaign to combat social isolation and loneliness
- Connect to Affect Social Isolation Assessment— Tool from AARP Foundation to measure your risk of social isolation
- Social Isolation and Loneliness Outreach Toolkit— Resources from NIA
Presentations
- Beyond the Delivery of the Meal (YouTube)— Network spotlight on Liberty Meals on Wheels of Ocean County
- Engaging Home-delivered Meal Participants (YouTube)— Network spotlight on Meals on Wheels of Ocean County, whose participants contribute to and learn from each other via Connections newsletter
- Saving Lives…Literally (YouTube)— Research being done at Georgia State University to enhance social connectedness and decrease risk of suicide in older adults
- Equipping the Aging Network to Address SILES During COVID-19 and Beyond— Strategies for addressing social isolation, loneliness, and elevated suicide risk (SILES) among older adults using "BE WITH"
- Addressing Nutrition & Social Connections Needs of Rural Older Adults (YouTube)— Webinar on nutrition & connection activities at three older adult nutrition programs during the pandemic
- Food for Thought Dialogue (YouTube)— IAFNS webinar on the effects of food and nutrients on mental well-being
- Nutrition and Socialization — The value of socialization at congregate meal sites
- Socialization (YouTube)— Challenges faced by the network in combatting social isolation
Reports
- The Pandemic Effect: A Social Isolation Report— AARP Foundation exploring the impact of the pandemic on adults of all ages and the effects of social isolation
- Social Isolation and Loneliness in Older Adults: Opportunities for the Health Care System— Report from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine
Resources
- Social Engagement Resources— engAGED's list of external resources for organizations serving older adults
- Affordable Connectivity Program— FCC broadband benefit program helping households connect
- E4 Center of Excellence for Behavioral Health Disparities in Aging— Center with materials to support behavioral health in older adults and families
- Emergency Broadband Benefit— FCC program to help families and households afford broadband internet service
- ONEgeneration Takes Intergenerational Approach to Meet Community Needs— NCOA senior center spotlight
- Mental Health Resources— NCOA articles and other resources
- Meals on Wheels America and PetSmart Charities partnership— Partnership to help older adults and their pets live healthy, nourished lives, together
- Pets for the Elderly— Charity that helps older adults adopt companion pets from shelters