Aging is a journey filled with unexpected twists and turns.  Along the way, there are opportunities for continued growth, exploration of new hobbies, finding purpose in life, and celebration. Tapping into these opportunities goes hand in hand with both maintaining independence and making one’s health and wellness a priority.

Enter the social prescribing movement.  Social prescribing is a transformative approach to healthcare. It emphasizes holistic well-being by connecting individuals to non-medical resources in their communities.

What is Social Prescribing?

Social prescribing is a healthcare model that enables professionals, such as doctors and social workers, to prescribe non-clinical interventions to improve patients’ health and well-being. Social prescribing can also be provided by Care Coordinators as part of services provided in a continuing care at home program. Interventions recommended often include activities like art classes, gardening, exercise programs, volunteering, and support groups.

The goal is to address social determinants of health, such as loneliness, isolation, and lack of community engagement, which significantly impact physical and mental health.

Origins of Social Prescribing

The concept of social prescribing originated in the United Kingdom in the late 1990s.  And it gained traction in the 2000s. It was developed as a response to the growing recognition that many health issues are rooted in social and environmental factors rather than purely medical ones. With the very large generation of baby boomers aging, it became a way to help and support them.

Over time, the movement expanded globally, with countries like the United States adopting similar models to address social determinants of health.

Benefits for Aging Adults

Social prescribing tends to focus on access to general programs.  This falls short of the richer benefits aging adults experience with an aging-in-place plan and continuing care at home plan membership, which includes a dedicated team of professional care coordinators. But it can still bring useful benefits, such as:

Addressing Isolation: Engaging in community activities can reduce feelings of isolation and foster meaningful connections.

Enhancing Emotional Wellness: Activities like art therapy and support groups may improve emotional well-being and help build necessary resilience.

Promoting Physical Health: Exercise programs at all levels and nature-based activities encourage staying active and overall fitness.

Resources in Southeastern Pennsylvania and Delaware

For seniors and baby boomers in southeastern Pennsylvania and Delaware, several organizations and programs are available to support social prescribing-type initiatives:

1. Pennsylvania Department of Aging: Offers numerous programs that help older adults. Many of the supports are delivered at the county level which brings them closer to the individuals that need them.
2. Delaware Office of Services and Programs for the Aging Population: Provides services such as adult day care, and caregiver support services, among others, to help support vibrant aging.
3. Senior and Community Centers: Local senior centers often host activities like games, art workshops, and social events that align with social prescribing principles.  You can search for Senior Centers in Delaware through Delaware Health and Social Services. And you can find those in Pennsylvania through the Department of Aging.

Embracing Vibrant Aging

Social prescribing is more than a healthcare model. It’s a movement that seeks to help empower older adults with well-being through meaningful connections and activities. By learning more about the resources available in southeastern Pennsylvania and Delaware, aging adults can take advantage of resources available to them.

For older adults, in general, and especially for solo agers, it represents an important aspect in the perfect recipe to aging well.

Future of Social Prescribing

Again, although the programs may be one size fits all, it is possible to see the benefits of social prescribing. Taking advantage of non-medical community programming can go a long way in supporting the well-being and health of aging adults now and in the future. The future of social prescribing will continue to evolve with new trends that aim to build its reach and effectiveness.

Here are some key developments:

1. Digital Integration: Technology is playing a pivotal role in social prescribing. Digital platforms and apps are being developed to streamline referrals, track outcomes, and connect individuals with community resources more efficiently.
2. Expansion Beyond Healthcare: Social prescribing is increasingly being integrated into sectors like education, housing, and employment. This holistic approach addresses broader social determinants of health.
3. Focus on Mental Health: Given the global rise in mental health challenges, there is a growing emphasis on using social prescribing to combat loneliness, anxiety, and depression through community-based activities.

The current trends and future trends show the potential of social prescribing to change healthcare for the better – all by focusing on holistic well-being.

Friends Life Care Member Benefits

If you are currently a Friends Life Care member and would like information on social prescribing-type resources in your local community, contact your Care Coordinator.  If you are not yet a member, contact us today.  You can learn more about the importance of having a team of professional care coordinators by your side through your entire aging journey.

 

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