Evaluating and Implementing The CONNECT Program - a Group-Based Telehealth Intervention to Reduce Social Isolation, Loneliness, and Mental Health Symptoms in Adults Ages 55+, Compared to Routine Community-Based Programming

Summary

Older adults in Canada are experiencing increasing levels of social isolation, loneliness, and mental health challenges, including anxiety and depression - trends that have worsened during and following the COVID-19 pandemic. Research consistently shows that loneliness and social isolation are associated with poorer mental and physical health outcomes, increased risk of dementia, and increased mortality. At the same time, social connection has a strong protective impact on health and well-being. Community-based programs that promote both social engagement and psychological support are urgently needed, particularly since older adults are less likely to access formal mental health services.

Approximately 3-11% of older adults meet diagnostic criteria for mood or anxiety disorders each year, with even more experiencing elevated symptoms that greatly influence quality of life. Subsyndromal depression in late life is estimated to occur two to three times more often than major depressive disorder. Despite these needs, up to 70% of older adults with anxiety or mood disorders do not access psychological services, often due to low mental health literacy or practical barriers to care. At the same time, participation in community activities is associated with improved emotional well-being, greater social support, and lower rates of depression and anxiety.

To bridge this need for support, our team developed and pilot-tested The CONNECT Program - a group-based mental health intervention for adults 55 years and older, delivered via telephone or virtually. The CONNECT Program is grounded in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), self-compassion, and theories of successful aging, and aims to improve psychological flexibility; reduce loneliness, social isolation, and co-occurring symptoms of depression and anxiety. A Manitoba pilot study (N = 34) demonstrated promising outcomes in terms of feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary effectiveness with the telephone-based group intervention.

The current trial will evaluate the implementation and effectiveness of The CONNECT Program in four Canadian provinces (British Columbia, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Saskatchewan), using an implementation-effectiveness hybrid design and a crossover randomized controlled trial. This study compares The CONNECT Program, delivered via telephone or virtually, to routine community programming (i.e., community participation as usual), which may occur in telephone, virtual, or in-person formats. The primary outcome is psychological flexibility; secondary outcomes include loneliness, social isolation, anxiety, depression, emotional support, mental health literacy. Implementation outcomes will be evaluated following the Proctor et al. framework.

This trial will contribute evidence on the mental health needs of adults 55+ and the value of low-barrier, community-based programs delivered remotely. Findings will guide further national and international implementation of The CONNECT Program and similar initiatives aimed at addressing the challenges of loneliness, social isolation, and mental health problems in late life.

Conditions

• Loneliness
• Social Isolation
• Depression Disorders
• Anxiety

Interventions

BEHAVIORAL

The CONNECT Program

A group-based telehealth intervention grounded in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), self-compassion, and successful aging theories, aimed at reducing social isolation, loneliness, and mental health symptoms among adults 55+. Delivered over six weeks via group phone or Zoom sessions. The CONNECT Program includes 6 weekly 90-minute group sessions, with structured workbooks and homework. The CONNECT Program is delivered in two modalities (group telephone or Zoom videoconferencing).

BEHAVIORAL

Community Participation as Usual (Service as Usual)

These community-based programs may include social, educational, or recreational group sessions that are already offered by local organizations - either in person, by phone, or virtually.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• A & O: Support Services for Older Adults

  collaborator UNKNOWN

• Brella Community Services Society

  collaborator UNKNOWN

• Senior Citizens Assistance Program

  collaborator UNKNOWN

• CHI - Centre for Healthcare Innovation

  collaborator UNKNOWN

• University of Manitoba

  lead OTHER

Study Design

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

TREATMENT

Masking

DOUBLE

Model

CROSSOVER

Eligibility

Min Age

55 Years

Sex

ALL

Healthy Volunteers

Yes

Timeline & Regulatory

Start

2025-09-08

Primary Completion

2026-09-30

Completion

2026-12-31

Countries

• Canada

Study Locations