Social isolation and loneliness have been recognized challenges in recent decades. However, the COVID-19 pandemic augmented these challenges and provided a stark wakeup call for professionals, families, and individuals at risk for isolation and marginalization in mainstream society. There is a need to provide innovative opportunities to promote a sense of belonging and community across all age cohorts, from children to older adults. Using an empirical framework, this course will provide a look at who is at risk for loneliness, the signs of loneliness, and effective strategies, interventions, and techniques to reduce social isolation and loneliness while promoting overall mental and physical health outcomes for clients and consumers.

Course Objectives:

 1: Learners will be able to differentiate between social isolation and loneliness.

 2: Learners will be able to identify the signs and assess for loneliness.

 3: Learners will be able to recognize populations at risk for social isolation, exclusion, and…