A Randomized Controlled Trial to Test the Efficacy of The CONNECT Program: A Telephone-Based Mental Health Program for Socially Isolated Older Adults

Intent: As we see the population of adults aged 65+ increase in Canada, we need to develop new ways to respond to the challenges this population faces. Older adults often report feeling socially isolated, lonely, and report mental health problems such as anxiety and depression. These feelings are common during the COVID-19 pandemic. This research will test to see if a telephone based mental health program can help people manage these feelings. The project: The telephone program that is being tested in this research allows older adults to connect with others through weekly group calls. The people who participate in this research will be assigned to either the treatment condition (the 6-week telephone program), or the waitlist condition (they will not participate in this program at this time). The treatment group will complete activities and learn strategies that will help them learn about their emotions and ways to manage these feelings in the future. Methods: These telephone group calls will consist of learning new skills (e.g., mindfulness) to help manage emotions, along with group discussions. People in both groups will complete questionnaires before and after the program. These questionnaires will help us see how people's experiences change throughout this program, and how people in the treatment group differ from people in the waitlist group. We expect to see people in the treatment group experience lower levels of social isolation, loneliness and mental health symptoms at the end of the program. Significance and relevance: This research project will show that this program helps older adults manage feelings of social isolation, loneliness and symptoms of depression and anxiety. Looking forward, this program can be offered to older adults across Canada.