Research is beginning to shed light on how we can increase social connection for older adults. Social isolation became an increasing concern during the COVID-19 pandemic, but even prior to that, older adults were already at serious risk for isolation. Beyond the obvious concerns regarding quality of life, there are significant health-related concerns as well. In fact, social isolation has been proven to have direct negative impacts on blood pressure, chronic disease, depression, and vulnerability to abuse and neglect.
In December 2019, Moses Taylor Foundation awarded a planning grant to a collaborative of organizations working together to design an innovative community system to increase social connection for older adults in Lackawanna County. The group is led by the United Way of Lackawanna, Wayne & Pike Counties and is comprised of nearly 30 partner organizations including several social service agencies, the Lackawanna County Area Agency on Aging, and health care providers. Despite challenges related to COVID-19, the Collaborative persisted and completed their plan for a coordinated system that includes the following:
The Collaborative began implementing their system in 2022 and has since been steadily growing their efforts. We are thrilled they have also broadened their work, obtaining AARP's Age-Friendly Community designation for Lackawanna County and embarking on the development of a related action plan to improve quality of life in our area.
As work on this large-scale system continues, the Foundation is also exploring additional opportunities to support innovative programming that strengthens social connections among older adults.
