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
Quick Guides
- Easing Social Isolation — Tips from New Jersey Division of Aging Services
- Guided Imagery Relaxation — Activity guide
- Health, Well-Being, and Social Connections in a Remote Environment — 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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— Report from AARP Foundation about the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and 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
- Affordable Connectivity Program— FCC Broadband benefit program helping households connect
- 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