Social Isolation and Loneliness Outreach Toolkit
Social isolation and loneliness can be harmful to the physical, mental, cognitive, and emotional health of older adults. NIA developed an outreach toolkit to help reduce social isolation and loneliness.
Share these materials and resources with older adults, caregivers, and health care providers:
Animated graphics (GIFs)
Download and share these animated graphics (GIFs) on your social media channels to educate older adults and caregivers about the harmful effects of social isolation and loneliness and strategies to stay connected.
Social media images
Download and share these images on social media to encourage grandchildren to stay connected with their grandparents.
Infographic
Download or share a link to this two-page infographic about how to combat social isolation and loneliness.
Social media posts
Copy and share these sample posts on social media to increase awareness among older adults, caregivers, and health care professionals. Each sample post links to NIA’s health information article on social isolation and loneliness. Consider tagging NIA on X, Facebook, or LinkedIn.
- DYK that 1 in 4 adults age 65 and older are socially isolated? A lack of regular interaction with others can affect your health and well-being. Explore activities you can do to stay connected, such as starting a new hobby or taking a virtual class: http://bit.ly/3qiBQ4J #CommitToConnect
- Feeling #lonely and being isolated can be bad for your health. The good news is that you can help reduce your risk! Find tips for staying connected with friends and family here: http://bit.ly/3jGTUmK #CommitToConnect
- Loneliness and social isolation have been associated with higher rates of depression, a weakened immune system, heart disease, and #dementia. Learn about steps you can take to help reduce feelings of #loneliness and social #isolation: http://bit.ly/3jKpCiR #CommitToConnect
- Older adults are at higher risk for social isolation and #loneliness due to changes in health and social connections, such as memory loss and/or the loss of family and friends. Read more about risk factors of social isolation and loneliness here: http://bit.ly/3qglklD #CommitToConnect
- Know the risk factors for loneliness and social isolation so you can help reduce your risk — or a loved one’s. Learn about steps you can take to help reduce feelings of #loneliness and prevent social #isolation: http://bit.ly/379njAT #CommitToConnect
Educational flyer
Download this one-page educational flyer about risk factors for social isolation and loneliness and strategies to prevent them.
Health information
Share NIA’s booklet, health information articles, and featured research.
Videos
Watch this animated video to learn about tips to help prevent and reduce the impact of social isolation and loneliness.
Watch this video to hear from NIA experts about how social isolation and loneliness affects your health and how to stay more connected during and after the COVID-19 pandemic.
Additional resources
Find additional information and resources.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Read about loneliness and social isolation as a public health issue.
- Commit to Connect Campaign: Learn more about the national effort to combat social isolation led by the Administration for Community Living (ACL).
- Commit to Connect Activities and Resources: View and share these ACL resources to help older adults stay connected.
- Eldercare Locator: Use this free national service to find local resources for older adults.
- Engaged: National Resource Center for Engaging Older Adults: Find information, resources, and strategies to promote social engagement in your community.
*Note: This statistic refers to community dwelling adults. Source: Cudjoe, T. K. M., et al. 2020. The epidemiology of social isolation: National health and aging trends. The Journals of Gerontology, Series B: Psychological Sciences and Social Sciences. 2020;75(1):107-113. doi: 10.1093/geronb/gby037.