Year(s) Funded: 2017-2018
Topic(s): Aging, Children and Adolescents, Social Determinants of Health
Project Lead: Carrie Henning-Smith
Social isolation, defined as a lack of contact with friends, family members, neighbors, and society at large, is directly related to increased morbidity and mortality, both of which are elevated in rural areas, compared with urban areas. Addressing social isolation should be viewed as a matter of primary prevention and as imperative to population health. The purpose of this project is to describe rural/urban differences in the prevalence of social isolation, as well as to identify challenges and strategies related to addressing rural social isolation in order to inform policy-making.
Related Publications
- Commentary: Meeting the Social Needs of Older Adults in Rural Areas, November 30th, 2020
- Differences in Social Isolation and Its Relationship to Health by Rurality, January 4th, 2019
- Key Informant Perspectives on Rural Social Isolation and Loneliness, October 11th, 2018
- Gender Differences in Social Isolation and Social Support among Rural Residents, August 1st, 2018