Presentation
Strategies to address social isolation in later life
Kim Van Orden, PhD
University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY
APHA 2021 Annual Meeting and Expo
Social isolation is associated with poor health, reduced quality of life, and premature mortality among older adults, while meaningful and supportive relationships and feelings of belonging, critical indicators of social connection, are associated with physical and mental well-being in later life. Evidence-based interventions for promoting social engagement are lacking, but several strategies are promising. Promising strategies will be described along with available evidence for effectiveness, including programs offered by the nationwide aging services network, such as Senior Corps volunteering and peer companionship.
Planning of health education strategies, interventions, and programs
Presentation
National and global collaboratives on social isolation and loneliness
Edward Garcia III, MHS
Foundation for Social Connection, Washington, DC
APHA 2021 Annual Meeting and Expo
The presentation will highlight national and global efforts for best practice and knowledge sharing across community-based organizations, private sector, local and national governments, and the global community to address social disconnection. Specific recommendations on how the US can move forward and take action against social disconnection will be reviewed.
Public health or related public policy
Presentation
Preventing social isolation by addressing systemic barriers
German Parodi
The Partnership for Inclusive Disaster Strategies, Philadelphia, PA
APHA 2021 Annual Meeting and Expo
Discuss systemic barriers people with disabilities face, and solution oriented dialouge for moving forward.
Program planning Systems thinking models (conceptual and theoretical models), applications related to public health