title: Upstream thinking and health promotion planning for older adults at risk of social isolation.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To raise awareness of social isolation, and provide an approach to first conceptualise and then prevent social isolation among older community-dwelling persons.
  
  
  BACKGROUND
  Older adults comprise a vulnerable population for social isolation and its associated health risks.
  
  
  METHODS
  Literature review.
  
  
  METHODS
  Canada's Population Health Promotion Model was chosen as a comprehensive tool to understand and prevent social isolation. Research studies were sought to identify key health determinants and evidence-based options for preventing social isolation.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Around 1 out of 6 older persons are socially isolated and three health determinants are of prime importance: (i) income and social status; (ii) personal health practices and coping skills and (iii) social support networks. Evidence-based interventions targeted to these health determinants are suggested.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Nurses are a key group to advocate for actions needed to prevent social isolation.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Nurses can play a vital role in minimising social isolation through a variety of educational, prevention and political lobbying activities.
authors.affiliation: Faculty of Nursing, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada. donna.wilson@ualberta.ca
authors.forename: Donna M
authors.initials: DM
authors.lastname: Wilson
authors.forename: Ashley
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Harris
authors.forename: Vivien
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Hollis
authors.forename: Deepthi
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Mohankumar
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000375:Aging / Q000523:psychology*; D002170:Canada / Q000453:epidemiology; D006293:Health Promotion / Q000379:methods* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006801:Humans; D012307:Risk Factors; D012934:Social Isolation