The CONNECT Program: Engaging Community Organizations in Implementing and Evaluating a Group Telehealth Mental Health Program for Older Canadians

What this Trial Is About

Older adults in Canada are facing growing challenges with social isolation, loneliness, anxiety, and depression, especially following the COVID-19 pandemic. These issues are linked to worse mental and physical health, higher dementia risk, and increased mortality. Social connection helps protect health and well-being, but many older adults do not access mental health services due to barriers. This research evaluates The CONNECT Program, a group-based telehealth intervention designed to reduce loneliness and mental health symptoms in adults aged 55 and older. The study compares The CONNECT Program, delivered via telephone or Zoom in six weekly 90-minute group sessions, to routine community participation programs offered in-person, by phone, or virtually. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either The CONNECT Program first followed by usual community programming, or vice versa, each phase lasting six weeks. The CONNECT Program uses Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, self-compassion, and theories of successful aging, including structured workbooks and homework assignments. Participants will be assessed at baseline, after each 6-week phase, and at a 6-month follow-up. Researchers will measure changes in psychological flexibility, loneliness, social isolation, anxiety, depression, emotional support, and mental health literacy. The study also examines how well the program can be implemented in community settings. The total involvement includes participation in group sessions and completing questionnaires to track mental health and social outcomes over time.

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