Reach Out to Connect Social Program for Older Adults

The older adult population can be vulnerable to the detrimental effects of social isolation and loneliness if they do not receive adequate social support. As adult family members move to pursue careers this leaves the older adult living on their own as they wish to age in place which can result in social isolation, loneliness and decreased levels of support for the older adult. Being homebound can restrict an individual's ability to participate in social activities but an individual can still receive social support by using their telephone to connect with others. The Reach Out to Connect Social Program was developed with the idea that people are hardwired to desire social connections. The objectives of the program were to: 1) provide participants with an opportunity to connect with others, 2) educate participants about ways to balance life events and be empowered by social connections, and 3) provide participants with an understanding of the health benefits of social connections. The Reach Out to Connect Social Program involved 4 sessions over a 2-week period which were accessible by telephone or videoconferencing that focused on increasing social interactions among homebound adult males. The hope of the program was to extend their willingness to talk on the telephone or to the Meals on Wheels delivery person by providing an opportunity for them to connect with others in similar circumstances within their community. Recommendations for future application of this program are for it to be offered as a class by Salt Lake County Aging and Adult Services as a way to meet the social needs of older adult males.