Measuring personal outcomes from community interventions to address social isolation and loneliness in older age

Social isolation and loneliness are associated with reduced personal confidence and quality of life and poorer health outcomes for older people (Windle, K., et al. 2009). This paper reports on the evaluation of a community... [ view full abstract ]

Social isolation and loneliness are associated with reduced personal confidence and quality of life and poorer health outcomes for older people (Windle, K., et al. 2009). This paper reports on the evaluation of a community funded action research project (Hubs for Older People’s Engagement) designed to utilise existing community facilities, resources and social networks so as to outreach to older adults across Belfast’s (NI) sectarian neighbourhoods. Local aged care facilities (known as hubs) provided the basis from which to recruit difficult to engage socially isolated older adults over the age of 55 years. The Older People’s Outcome Star was the tool selected to enable the self assessment of personal outcomes for older socially isolated participants. Over 104 socially isolated older adults were linked to the hubs through a programme of health, wellbeing, lifelong learning, intergenerational and gender based activities which resulted in measurable improvements in individual social participation, personal confidence and quality of life. The project contributes to the evidence base for combating social isolation and loneliness as well as provides further insight as to how to identify and engage isolated older individuals living in the community. This presentation would be of interest to social workers, community workers and organisations seeking a grass roots approach to social isolation and loneliness in older age.