Decreasing Loneliness in Older Adults

Increasing Social Competence and Social Integration of Older Adults Experiencing Loneliness

The purposes of this study are: (1) decrease loneliness and social isolation and increase social competence and social integration of older adults experiencing loneliness; (2) examine an intervention process grounded in a theoretical model that was developed in a previous study. The intervention process is tailored to the participants' barriers and abilities, and includes up to 10 personal meetings with an activities counselor and several group meetings.

Inclusion Criteria:

• age 65 or over
• residing in the Tel Aviv region

Exclusion Criteria:

• having known mental illness including schizophrenia, depression, bipolar disorder, and dementia