Social connection
Behavioral · Evidence and recent research
Notify me when meaningful evidence changes.
Where things stand
Loneliness and social isolation are associated with poorer physical and mental health, including heart disease and cognitive decline. Social relationships therefore matter for healthy ageing and quality of life. Much of the risk evidence is observational, so an association cannot tell us precisely how much a particular social activity would change someone’s lifespan. Source ↗ Recently: The latest trial-registry update in our collection is dated Sep 30, 2026: “Immersive Group Dance in Virtual Reality Improves Perceived Social Cohesion in Older Adults: A Technology-Assisted Movement Intervention - A Two-Arm, Parallel-Group Randomized Controlled Trial With Sex-Based Comparison”. Its implications have not yet been summarized in a source-checked review. Read update ↗
AI-written overview · not expert-reviewed · Background sources checked Sep 23, 2026 · Recent updates cover the last 30 days of this collection. A new report does not automatically change the evidence assessment.
Background and coverage
NIA: loneliness and social isolation ↗
- Regulatory status
- Not applicable
- Availability
- Widely available
- Category
- Behavioral
- Human results verified here
- 1
Evidence collection is needs review. 0 approved assessments; 47 assessments awaiting review; 1 published studies with verified results. Safety: not assessed.
Recorded evidence activity (experimental)
A numeric breakdown will be available after baseline review. Safety is not yet assessed.
What changed
Evidence events affecting this intervention
Immersive Group Dance in Virtual Reality Improves Perceived Social Cohesion in Older Adults: A Technology-Assisted Movement Intervention - A Two-Arm, Parallel-Group Randomized Controlled Trial With Sex-Based Comparison
Trial registry update: COMPLETED. No results reported in the supplied registry record.
The ALIVE-Project: Activity, Life Satisfaction, Inclusion, Vitality, Elderly Women
Trial registry update: RECRUITING. No results reported in the supplied registry record.
A Randomised Pilot Study of Navigator and Coach Support for Participation in Community Activities to Promote Physical Activity and Social Contact in Persons Aged 65 Years and Older
Trial registry update: NOT_YET_RECRUITING. No results reported in the supplied registry record.
Geri Pride: an Adapted Intervention to Support Healthy Aging of Sexual and Gender Minority Veterans
Trial registry update: NOT_YET_RECRUITING. No results reported in the supplied registry record.
The ALIVE-Project: Activity, Life Satisfaction, Inclusion, Vitality, Elderly Women
Trial registry update: RECRUITING. No results reported in the supplied registry record.
Marriage associated with decelerated epigenetic aging on one of three clocks in observational study
Cross-sectional analysis of 762 MIDUS II participants examined associations between marital status and three epigenetic aging measures (PhenoAge, GrimAge, DunedinPACE). Being married versus separated/divorced was associated with slower aging on DunedinPACE only. Gender differences emerged for never-married status: men who never married showed accelerated aging on GrimAge and DunedinPACE, while women did not.
Virtual group intervention adapted to support social connection and healthy aging in older LGB Veterans
This study describes the adaptation and testing of a virtual structured group intervention designed to promote healthy aging, self-acceptance, and connection to health-related resources among older lesbian, gay, bisexual, and related identity Veterans. The intervention aims to address reported unmet needs in this population by increasing resilience, healthcare engagement, and access to aging resources. No efficacy outcomes, sample size, or effect sizes are reported in this abstract.
Multidomain intervention feasibility study in older adults shows completion rates at 6-month follow-up.
FORMULA 100 is a prospective single-arm feasibility study of an ICOPE-based multidomain intervention in 250 community-dwelling adults aged 65+ at two Italian Active Ageing Centers. Participants were screened for intrinsic capacity decline, underwent multidimensional assessment, and received a personalized 3-month intervention addressing physical, cognitive, nutritional, psychological, sensory, and social needs. The primary outcome was the proportion completing 6-month follow-up; effect sizes on health outcomes were not reported.
Supervised group exercise associated with loneliness and quality of life in older women: 16-week RCT
This 16-week randomized controlled trial compared 213 older women (aged 75+, living alone, Oslo) assigned to supervised group exercise at a fitness club with social interaction, independent fitness club exercise, or usual activities. Outcomes included loneliness, social connectedness, quality of life, mental health, physical activity, and physical fitness measured by questionnaires, physical performance tests, and activity monitoring, with qualitative interviews exploring participant experiences.
Assessment history
The 25 most recent recorded changes, including corrections and backfill
Human studies with verified results
Animal and mechanistic evidence
No preclinical studies tracked yet
Clinical trials
Claims
Testable statements and where the evidence stands