Strategy F: Communities that Support Social Connectedness

Strategy Description

Establish new policies and/or practices in communities that support social connectedness.  

Address at least one of the following sub-strategies:

  • Develop a community plan in collaboration with cross sectoral partners that supports social connectedness and identifies opportunities and gaps for solutions to reduce loneliness and isolation.
  • Implement a policy and/or program outlined in a cross-sectoral community plan that addresses social connectedness. Note: The prerequisite for implementing this sub-strategy requires the completion of a cross-sectoral community plan that addresses social connectedness, similar to what is described in sub-strategy 1.
  • Increase the number of community organizations that newly offer group exercise programs for seniors. Acceptable exercise programs include the following:

Expected Outcomes

Increased number of new policies and/or practices in communities that support social connectedness with implementation of the above sub-strategies

  • Number of community plans completed with cross-sectoral partners that identify opportunities, gaps and solutions in support of social connectedness  
  • Number of policies and/or programs implemented as outlined in cross-sectoral community plans that address social connectedness.
  • Number of new organizations that offer group exercise programs for seniors.

Social Connectedness as a Driver of Health Outcomes

Social connectedness is the degree to which people have and perceive a desired number, quality and diversity of relationships that create a sense of belonging and being cared for, valued and supported. It plays a significant role in health disparities, as people with strong social networks tend to have better health outcomes compared to those who are socially isolated, meaning that a lack of social connection can exacerbate existing health disparities across different populations, particularly among marginalized groups.  

Also, according to research from the JAMA Network, loneliness affected women more than men and was particularly common among people with poorer physical and mental health, those with a health condition or disability that limited daily activities, and those who were unemployed, lived alone or were aged 50 to 64 years (compared with 65-80 years). Older adults are at increased risk of social isolation and loneliness because of factors such as the loss of a partner or other loved ones, decreased mobility, worsening vision and hearing, chronic illness, inability to access transportation, or cessation of favorite activities. Loneliness is associated with increased risk of heart disease, dementia, stroke, anxiety and depression. In contrast, improved social connection is associated with increased longevity and better social, emotional and physical well-being.

Essentially, promoting social connectedness can be a key strategy to mitigate health inequities. Community leaders should tailor and allocate resources for community spaces to fit each community’s unique needs. There also should be a concerted effort to not only develop and maintain common spaces for the community members, but to also encourage their use through awareness campaigns. Leaders may also be able to bridge the local health care systems and community organizations for better continuity from the social prescribing practices and the engagement of the community.

Source: JAMA Network Article - Social Isolation and Loneliness in Older Adults (May 23, 2024).

Recommended Partners

  • Local government  
  • Public health educators  
  • Community groups  
  • Health coalitions  
  • Community members that represent the population at greatest risk for related to social isolation  
  • Senior centers  
  • Health organizations (e.g., hospitals)    
  • YMCAs  
  • Schools and school boards  
  • Local civic groups  
  • Faith communities  
  • Local chambers of commerce  
  • Local Parks and Recreation  
  • Area Agencies on Aging  
  • County and city planners

Intervention Examples

  • A local health department collaborated within the county to enhance social connectedness by conducting a community needs assessment to identify gaps in social interaction. Throughout this process, the department engaged a wide range of community members, including local government, health coalitions, schools, community groups, businesses and non-profit organizations, to address these challenges collectively to form a strategic plan that will continue to move the work forward. They used the action4connection model to help guide strategy work. This effort led to the creation of neighborhood hubs offering a variety of activities. The department partnered with schools to promote intergenerational connections, such as mentoring programs and playing games, worked with local businesses to organize community events, and advocated for policies supporting the development of social infrastructure.  
  • The local health department established a Social Isolation and Connectedness Task Force within their county, bringing small businesses, nonprofits, school administrators, students, churches, transportation officials, law enforcement and other key community stakeholders to the table to create a community plan to increase social cohesion. The Task Force conducted focus groups with youth, middle-aged and senior community members to determine ways in which social connectedness can be improved within age cohorts, and worked with Task Force members to identify further opportunities for intergenerational community events and strategies for increasing community participation in these events.
  • As part of the county’s plan to address social isolation and connectedness, the local health department along with partners from the various senior centers in the area worked together to begin offering Tai Chi for Arthritis classes to senior residents in the community. The local health department in partnership with faith organizations and area businesses promoted the classes through placement of flyers in the senior centers, YMCAs, senior living communities, churches and local libraries.  In addition to the physical activity classes, the local health department provided education and resources to seniors on mental health services and other chronic disease prevention programs available in the community.
  • A local health department identified prospective community senior centers would be interested in offering Bingocize in the current fiscal year. The LHD helped enlist three community senior centers to offer the 10-week course during the spring. The LHD has agreed to evaluate program satisfaction of participating senior centers and to provide future grant review for senior centers who want to apply for future outside funding to continue the program.

Related Programs

The Injury and Violence Prevention Branch (IVPB) Core Injury Prevention Program is working on falls prevention with partners through the NC Falls prevention Coalition. These efforts also support social connectedness among the senior population. IVPB closely partners with Healthy Aging NC at the UNC-Asheville Center for Health and Wellness and the NCDHHS Division of Aging.

Recommended Tools/Resources

NC Resources

Data Sources

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