Depression is one of the most common mental health conditions and is the leading cause of disease burden worldwide. Older, isolated adults who have little regular social interaction may be particularly at risk.
Researchers in Canada wanted to look at whether interventions that aim to facilitate interaction and connection among individuals could reduce depression. The most common treatments for depression, medication, and psychotherapy may not be available, accessible, preferred, or effective for everyone.
Study authors Emma Nagy, Ph.D., and Spencer Moore, Ph.D., M.P.H., reviewed two dozen studies looking at social interventions for depression among older adults and found that most of the studies showed significant reductions in depressive symptoms. They looked at interventions that engaged individuals with others in their broader social networks; they did not include partner or family interventions. The interventions often combine strategies to address depression, such as peer support, skill-building, group-based activities, psychoeducation, psychotherapy, exercise, and links to community resources.
According to study authors. their findings suggest a variety of different types of social interventions that may work to help improve mental well-being among adults. For example, one study they looked at involved a mutual support group where participants ideas, experiences, and problem solving to help improve communication and coping skills. Sixty percent of participants reported improvements, a result similar to a group involved in cognitive behavioral therapy.
