Critical strategies for confronting a dire, yet under-addressed societal epidemic—the risky and potentially deadly consequences for older adults living a socially isolated life, are the focus for this book. By documenting our current understanding of the complex and multi-dimensional nature of social isolation among elders, the authors highlight innovative and alternative forms of community and later-life relationships that can serve to forestall or prevent social isolation and loneliness.

With contributions from recognized scholars, clinicians, and elder-policy activists, as well as from multiple practice perspectives (direct service providers, administrators, researchers, and educators) the book documents the interrelated issues of social relationships and health in late life. It describes creative programs and intervention techniques that help maintain the integrity of an older adult’s individual, group, and community relations, communication pathways, and a sense of belonging. The book also illuminates multidisciplinary and integrated best practices for minimizing the risk of late life social isolation. Case studies showcase the issues that arise in clinical practice and service delivery and demonstrate proven methods for effectively addressing them.

Key Features:

• Delivers best-practice strategies and interventions for bolstering older adult social health and community engagement
• Written by top scholars in the gerontology community
• Explores the life-threatening risks and consequences of social isolation for older adults and their families
• Describes the wide range of social relationships that can determine the extent to which older adults will be at risk of becoming socially isolated
• Considers the role that older adult diversity and difference plays in determining quality of life and the integrity of relationships
• Highlights physical, behavioral, environmental, social, and economic forces that can influence the quality of late life relationships