Year: 2020
Type: article
Abstract: Social isolation is a predictor of adverse physical and mental health outcomes among low-income seniors.Inadequate social support networks and physical environment are key social isolation risk factors facing this population.Municipal planners, decisionmakers, health authorities, and housing providers and administrators are confronted by a gap in their understanding about policy interventions that reduce social isolation.A literature review and in-depth interviews highlight best practices for social programming, system navigation, and built environment that improve social connectedness and slow health decline.Key considerations are identified from seven in-depth interviews and seven case studies.Four highly-effective interventions are assessed based on four criteria; ability to increase seniors' social network size and quality, cost, implementation complexity, and long-term effectiveness.This study recommends a phased approach to implementing all four alternatives in the immediate, short-term, and long-term, along with assigning roles for key stakeholders.
Source: Summit (Simon Fraser University)
Author: Breeanna Jantzen
Language: English
Subfield: Life-span and Life-course Studies
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: green
Funder: Strong
OpenAlex ID: W3020864688