The CONNECT Program for Social Isolation

Overseen By Kristin AA Reynolds, PhD

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: University of Manitoba

Disqualifiers: Cannot communicate in English

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: Unknown

Duration: 6 weeks

128 Participants Needed

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial aims to assist adults aged 55 and older who experience loneliness, isolation, anxiety, or depression. It evaluates a mental health program called The CONNECT Program, designed to enhance mental flexibility and reduce loneliness through support in group sessions conducted by phone or online. Participants will either begin with The CONNECT Program or continue their usual community activities, then switch after six weeks. Individuals who speak English and can participate in group conversations despite hearing or vision changes are well-suited for this trial. The study seeks to determine if this program can serve as a helpful, low-barrier option for improving mental health and social connections. As an unphased trial, it offers a unique opportunity to explore new methods for enhancing mental well-being and social connections.

Do I have to stop taking my current medications to join the trial?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It seems focused on social and psychological support rather than medication changes.

What prior data suggests that The CONNECT Program is safe for older adults?

Research has shown that The CONNECT Program has delivered promising results in earlier tests. A small study in Manitoba with 34 participants found the program practical and well-received. Participants experienced improvements, indicating its effectiveness for older adults without major side effects.

The CONNECT Program aims to enhance social connections and mental health support. It incorporates Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (a type of counseling that helps people accept their thoughts and feelings) and self-compassion. These methods are generally considered safe and beneficial for mental health.

Although specific safety details like side effects aren't provided, the program's design and positive feedback from the study suggest it is a safe choice for addressing social isolation and mental health issues in older adults. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

The CONNECT Program is unique because it specifically targets social isolation by fostering active engagement in community activities. Unlike traditional support groups or therapy sessions that may focus more on emotional support, The CONNECT Program emphasizes real-world participation and interaction. Researchers are excited about this approach because it could lead to more sustainable improvements in social connections and mental health by encouraging participants to integrate more fully into their communities. This hands-on method might offer a fresh path to combating social isolation compared to existing options.

What evidence suggests that The CONNECT Program is effective for reducing social isolation and improving mental health in older adults?

Research shows that social connections can greatly enhance both mental and physical health. Studies have found that loneliness or isolation can harm health as much as smoking a pack of cigarettes a day. In this trial, participants will engage in The CONNECT Program, which uses group discussions based on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy to reduce loneliness and improve mental health. A small study in Manitoba found this program effective in reducing feelings of loneliness, social isolation, depression, and anxiety among older adults. It also revealed that participants appreciated the program and found it easy to implement. Community support and involvement through such programs can significantly improve the well-being of older adults. ^{6 7 8 9 10}

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for adults aged 55 or older in Canada who feel lonely, socially isolated, or have mental health challenges like anxiety and depression. Participants must speak English and be able to join group conversations despite any hearing or vision changes.

Inclusion Criteria

I am 55 years old or older.

Able to speak, read, and understand English

I can hear and see well enough to join in group talks.

Exclusion Criteria

I can communicate in English both verbally and in writing.

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Treatment

Participants receive The CONNECT Program or community-based programming as usual for 6 weeks

6 weeks

Weekly sessions (virtual or telephone)

Crossover Treatment

Participants switch to the alternate program (The CONNECT Program or community-based programming as usual) for another 6 weeks

6 weeks

Weekly sessions (virtual or telephone)

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for psychological flexibility, loneliness, social isolation, and other outcomes

24-30 weeks

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• The CONNECT Program

Trial Overview The CONNECT Program, a group-based mental health intervention delivered by phone or online, is being tested against usual community activities. It aims to improve psychological flexibility and reduce loneliness, social isolation, depression, and anxiety among seniors.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: The CONNECT Program first Experimental Treatment 2 Interventions

Participants in this arm will receive The CONNECT Program during the first 6-week phase, followed by community participation as usual during the second 6-week phase.

Group II: Community-based programming as usual (Service as Usual) first Active Control 2 Interventions

Participants in this arm will receive community participation as usual during the first 6-week phase, followed by The CONNECT Program during the second 6-week phase. Community participation as usual refers to the regular group programs already offered by community organizations in-person, over the phone or virtually.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

University of Manitoba

Lead Sponsor

Trials

628

Recruited

209,000+

A & O: Support Services for Older Adults

Collaborator

Brella Community Services Society

Collaborator

Senior Citizens Assistance Program

Collaborator

CHI - Centre for Healthcare Innovation

Collaborator

Citations

1. clinicaltrials.gov clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT07107906

Evaluating and Implementing The CONNECT Program The primary outcome is psychological flexibility; secondary outcomes include loneliness, social isolation, anxiety, depression, emotional support, mental health ...

2. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11403199/

Social connection as a critical factor for mental and physical ... Robust evidence documents social connection factors as independent predictors of mental and physical health, with some of the strongest evidence on mortality.

3. hhs.gov hhs.gov/sites/default/files/surgeon-general-social-connection-advisory.pdf

Our Epidemic of Loneliness and Isolation The mortality impact of being socially disconnected is similar to that caused by smoking up to 15 cigarettes a day,4 and even greater than that associated with ...

4. sciencedirect.com sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2214782925000570

Digital bridges to social connection: A systematic review ... This systematic review and meta-analysis assess the impact of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on digital interventions to reduce loneliness and social ...

5. aging.jmir.org aging.jmir.org/2023/1/e39848/

Digital Intergenerational Program to Reduce Loneliness and ... This realist review aimed to identify existing digital intergenerational programs that were used to reduce loneliness or social isolation among older adults.

6. connect2affect.org connect2affect.org/

Connect2Tools to Overcome Social Isolation Build social connections with 8 tips, find support services, and search the local directory for free or reduced cost services to combat social isolation.

7. who.int who.int/news/item/30-06-2025-social-connection-linked-to-improved-heath-and-reduced-risk-of-early-death

Social connection linked to improved health and reduced ... Loneliness is linked to an estimated 100 deaths every hour—more than 871 000 deaths annually. Strong social connections can lead to better ...

8. cdc.gov cdc.gov/social-connectedness/risk-factors/index.html

Health Effects of Social Isolation and Loneliness Social isolation and loneliness are widespread problems in the US, posing a serious threat to our mental and physical health.

9. committoconnect.org committoconnect.org/communities-of-practice/

Communities of Practice The Community of Practice is assisting members with measuring the impact of their CDSME programs on social connection. Participating organizations: Collect data ...

10. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9850285/

Digital Intergenerational Program to Reduce Loneliness ... This realist review aimed to identify existing digital intergenerational programs that were used to reduce loneliness or social isolation among older adults.