Abstract
BackgroundSocial isolation is an increasing concern for older adults who live in the community. Despite some availability of social support programs to address social isolation, their effectiveness is not routinely measured. This study aimed to evaluate an innovative excursion-based program offering unique social experiences to older adults receiving aged care services.MethodsThis six-month before and after mixed-methods study evaluated the outcomes of an Australian excursion-based program which offered social and physical outings to bring older adults receiving aged care services into the wider community. The study combined two parts: Part 1 was a pre-post survey assessing the quality of life of older adults who received the excursion-based program for 6 months (n = 56; two time-points, analysed using signed rank test) and Part 2 involved qualitative in-depth, semi-structured interviews (n = 24 aged care staff, older adults and carers; analysed using thematic analysis).ResultsOlder adults experienced a significant increase in quality of life scores (p < 0.001) between baseline and 6 months. Interviews confirmed these observations and suggested that benefits of participation included increased opportunities for social participation, psychological wellbeing, physical function, and carer respite. Interviews also revealed being in a group setting, having tailored, convenient and accessible activities, alongside supportive staff were key drivers in improving the wellbeing of participants.ConclusionsParticipating in an excursion-based community program may improve wellbeing in older adults. Aging policy should focus on prioritizing initiatives that promote social connectivity with the wider community and assist in improving outcomes for older adults.
Highlights
Social isolation is an increasing concern for older adults who live in the community
Older adults are at acute risk of becoming socially isolated as social networks and mobility levels decline with age [1, 2]
Consequences of social isolation are complex, with recent evidence suggesting that isolation takes a heavy toll on health [3], leading to poorer psychological and physical health outcomes [4]
Summary
Social isolation is an increasing concern for older adults who live in the community. This study aimed to evaluate an innovative excursion-based program offering unique social experiences to older adults receiving aged care services. Australian community-based care services act as a resource for older adults to remain in their own homes as they age, assisting older adults to manage or alleviate health risks associated with social isolation, immobility and aging in general [10]. These services include educational programs about health and wellness, opportunities for civic engagement, housework and hygiene assistance, as well as assistance with managing chronic health conditions [11]
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