To address loneliness and social isolation among older adults, health care, aging, arts, and community-based sectors are increasingly turning to social prescribing, an approach that originated in the United Kingdom and has since gained traction globally, including in the United States.
The Center for Health Care Strategies and the John A. Hartford Foundation define the issue and share programs, evidence and examples of social prescribing to support older adults. This includes the “Culture Rx” program from the Mass Cultural Council.
The Massachusetts experience is also part of resources that highlight the experiences of participants, providers, and community organizations involved in social prescribing programs and provide practical guidance for health care providers, health systems, aging services organizations, and community-based organizations interested in implementing social prescribing initiatives. This work could be informative to communities working to become more age- and dementia friendly and that have prioritized social connection in their action plans.
- Arts, Culture, and Social Prescribing in the United States: 23 Case Studies, 2023-2024 – A case study report of 23 social prescribing programs across 11 U.S. states highlights common implementation approaches, funding models, and barriers to scaling social prescribing in the U.S. Programs included cultural visits, arts, music-based activities, and other forms of engagement.
- SocialRx – A Unique Social Prescribing Model Built on Connecting Older Adults to What Matters to Them – This program spotlight describes a community-based social prescribing initiative that reduced loneliness and isolation among older adults by connecting them with meaningful resources ranging from social and cultural activities and chronic disease support to fitness programs and bereavement support.
- A Toolkit on How to Implement Social Prescribing – This WHO toolkit provides step-by-step guidance, case studies, and adaptable materials to support the implementation and scaling of social prescribing programs in community settings.