About
Social isolation and loneliness affect up to half of adults over 60 and can lead to health implications. These issues are shaped by factors like income, housing, and food insecurity, making generic solutions ineffective. In Toronto’s downtown east, the St. Michael’s Hospital Academic Family Health Team (SMHAFHT) serves over 17,000 adults aged 50+, many of whom are experiencing social isolation and loneliness. To address these challenges, SMAFHT started an Enhanced Social Prescribing program which aims to identify social needs, such as food, transportation, and connection, and links patients to community resources through routine care. We propose a qualitative study that uses photovoice methodology and engages participants as coresearchers to document their experiences through photos and structured narrative. This participatory approach will generate insights into the program’s impact on social isolation in older adults.
Impact
This project will generate deeper understanding of how social prescribing influences the lives of older adults facing isolation and unmet social needs. By engaging participants as co-researchers through photovoice, the study will amplify marginalized voices, foster community connection, and has the opportunity to inform more inclusive, patient-centered care models. Insights from this work may support broader integration of social prescribing into healthcare.
Recruitment
