Student–senior isolation prevention partnership: a Canada-wide programme to mitigate social exclusion during the COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract

Summary Amidst the pandemic, Canada has taken critical steps to curb the transmission of the 2019 novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19). A key intervention has been physical distancing. Although physical distancing may protect older adults and other at-risk groups from COVID-19, research suggests quarantine and isolation may worsen mental health. Among older adults, social exclusion and social safety nets are social determinants of health (SDOH) that may be uniquely affected by the COVID-19 physical distancing measures. Health promotion programmes designed to reduce social exclusion and enhance social safety nets are one way to mitigate the potential mental health implications of this pandemic. The Student–Senior Isolation Prevention Partnership (SSIPP) is a student-led, community health promotion initiative that has scaled into a nation-wide effort to improve social connection among older adults. This initiative began with in-person visits and transformed into a tele-intervention guided by health promotion principles due to COVID-19. SSIPP continued to target the SDOH of social exclusion and social safety nets by pairing student volunteers with older adults to engage in weekly phone- and video-based interactions. Informed by the community partnership model by Best et al., SSIPP is built on the three orientations of empowerment, behaviour and organization, which are achieved through cross-disciplinary collaboration. This article reviews the importance of the adaptability of health promotion programmes, such as SSIPP during a pandemic, placing an emphasis on the lessons learned and future steps.

The Effect of Social Isolation on 1-Year Outcomes After Surgical Repair of Low Energy Hip Fracture

“…[21][22][23][24] Other promising interventions include the development of intergenerational partnerships, programs to facilitate volunteering, and nonhuman companions. [25][26][27][28] To date, there has been little research on social isolation or loneliness as predictors of hip fracture outcomes. Among community dwelling patients 65 years or older, having no social contact with friends during the 2 weeks before fracture was associated with a •5 greater risk of death at 2 years compared with those who had daily contact with friends.…”

“…21–24 Other promising interventions include the development of intergenerational partnerships, programs to facilitate volunteering, and nonhuman companions. 25–28…”