Research Innovations on Mechanistic Targets to Improve Social Connection in the Aging Population

Abstract

Social isolation and loneliness have health consequences that rival those of smoking and obesity. Older adults are at particularly high risk for the negative consequences of loneliness and social disconnection due to compounding effects of age-related declines in functioning, cognition, and sensory function. Up to 29% of adults age 60 and older experience loneliness. The Covid-19 pandemic led to increased social isolation and depression among older adults, as a result of prolonged quarantine and the heightened risk of severe illness and death. While the negative consequences of loneliness and social isolation are clear, strategies to intervene and the underlying mechanisms of interventions are poorly understood, thus hindering prevention and intervention efforts. In this session, Nili Solomonov, Ph.D. will present preliminary findings from a novel neuroimaging-based social reward paradigm she developed examine the relationship between processing of social rewards and depression severity. Ellen Lee, M.D. will present work on the role of compassion and self-compassion in loneliness and development of a positive affect-driven intervention for underserved community-dwelling older adults. Kimberly Van Orden, Ph.D. will present results from a randomized trial of a social volunteering program for lonely older adults; specifically, predictors of engagement in the program (versus discontinuing the program). Bret Rutherford, M.D. will moderate and lead a discussion of mechanisms and treatment targets to reduce social isolation in the aging population. All presenters will put their research in the context of COVID-19 pandemic-related restrictions.