INTRODUCTION AND PURPOSE

Social isolation and loneliness are growing public health concerns, declared a national epidemic in 2023 by the
U.S. Surgeon General. The negative consequences of social isolation include anxiety, depression, cardiovascular
disease, cognitive decline, lower quality of life and increased use of health care services.

The Meals on Wheels network prioritizes promoting and fostering meaningful social connections and reducing
social isolations and loneliness among older adults. This pilot study is a start in quantitatively assessing the
effectiveness of social connection initiatives and evaluating the operational factors essential for their expansion
and scalability.

Meals on Wheels America conducted a social connection pilot program with 10 Meals on Wheels organizations to
explore the feasibility of scaling social connection programs and demonstrate the efficacy of friendly calling and
visiting in reducing disconnectedness. The organization engaged an independent evaluator to thoroughly assess
both the outcomes and processes of these interventions.

FINDINGS

At baseline, over 82% of clients were deemed at risk for social
disconnectedness. Differences in social connectedness were
assessed following three months of visits and/or calls. Overall,
on average, clients reported statistically significant reductions
in social disconnectedness from baseline to three-month
follow-up, with about 53% of clients reporting lower scores at
follow-up than baseline. From baseline to follow up, significant
improvements were observed in clients’ risk associated with “I
can find companionship when I want it” and “I am content with
my friendships and relationships.”

At the conclusion of the pilot, Meals on Wheels organizations
were asked to report process metrics about their recruitment
and engagement of clients in friendly calling and friendly
visiting efforts.

CONCLUSION

This pilot validates existing findings that Meals on Wheels programs provide impactful social connection
programming and uncovers meaningful lessons for scaling these valuable, time-intensive offerings. Despite
administrative challenges, Meals on Wheels social connection programs are increasing social connectedness.
Clients report a tangible improvement in their ability to find companionship on demand and express greater
satisfaction and contentment with their friendships and relationships.

This initiative was an innovative step to overcome key operational challenges and evaluate effectiveness for scaling
social connection programs among Meals on Wheels organizations. Pilots like this are important to demonstrate
the value of these programs and better understand the benefits and challenges of implementing friendly calling
and visiting programs.