Resources

This information sheet from the Australian Institute of Family Studies discusses social isolation and loneliness and provides common definitions to support practitioner understanding of people experiencing challenges with social relationships and connections.

This article from Advocare provides helpful tips for older people and their families to help address social isolation and loneliness. An infographic is also available that summarises the tips in a visual manner. 

Support group interventions increase social support and decrease loneliness among older people in aged care settings, particularly in residential care settings. This resource from ARIIA is a short easy-to-read summary of the research evidence.

Social connectedness is an important aspect of the health of all people but especially older people in residential aged care who may be feeling isolated. This resource from ARIIA is a short easy-to-read summary of the research evidence.

Group reminiscence therapy appears to be effective in improving life satisfaction and decreasing the loneliness of people in residential aged care. This resource from ARIIA is a short easy-to-read summary of the research evidence.

Information and Communication Technology (ICT) interventions has positive effects on the older people; it improves their social network and connection and decreases loneliness. This resource from ARIIA is a short easy-to-read summary of the research evidence.

In aged care settings, a wide selection of activity programs is usually available for older people to engage in. These programs are intended to reduce social isolation and improve overall health. This resource from ARIIA is a short easy-to-read summary of the research evidence.

Dr Xanthe Golenko explains how the Bolton Clarke Storytelling Program is bringing life story work into residential aged care to promote the personhood of each resident and build connections between staff and those in their care.

The COVID-19 pandemic intensified social isolation and loneliness concerns, especially among the older population age group. A team from Bolton Clarke describe the implementation of a volunteer-delivered social support program designed to combat social isolation during this time.

This 2022 report from the Centre for Health Service Development draws on findings and lessons learned through the Australian Government funded evaluation of the Improving Social Connectedness of Older Australians pilot.