A Faith-Based Intervention to Address Social Isolation and Loneliness in Older Adults

Author: Don'L Blevins1
Affiliation: <sup>1</sup> Don&#x27;L Blevins, DNP, RN, FNP-BC, provides direct patient care at Novant Health Surry Medical Associates Extended Care in North Carolina. He is passionate about his faith while practicing as a family nurse practitioner in hospital and community settings.
Conference/Journal: J Christ Nurs
Date published: 2023 Jan-Mar
Other: Volume ID: 40 , Issue ID: 1 , Pages: 28-35 , Special Notes: doi: 10.1097/CNJ.0000000000001023. , Word Count: 101


The goal of this quality improvement project was to determine if virtually offered faith-based resources for socially isolated older adults could reduce loneliness and improve quality of life. A nurse-developed program of virtual spiritual and religious interventions, including mindfulness, prayer, Scripture meditation, gratitude practices, and online church services, was offered by local ministers to older adults at risk of social isolation or loneliness. A sample of 16 adults over age 55 from local communities participated in the 12-week intervention and follow-up. The intervention resulted in a significant decrease in perception of social loneliness and improved physical health quality of life.


PMID: 36469874 DOI: 10.1097/CNJ.0000000000001023