Civic Coffee Recap: Social Connectivity

On Aug. 12, Age Friendly Seattle hosted its monthly Civic Coffee in partnership with the Lake City Senior Center, focusing on social connectivity. Teresa Tam, Social Connection Project Coordinator for Phinney Neighborhood Association, delivered an insightful presentation on the Greenwood Senior Center Social Connection Project. The session then transitioned into an open discussion about the challenges of making and maintaining social connections. 

Social isolation and loneliness are two terms often used interchangeably. However, they refer to distinctly different experiences. Social isolation is an objective experience, typically referring to a lack of social contact, or a limited social network, while loneliness is a subjective feeling of being emotionally disconnected from others, sometimes even when social contact is present. While social isolation can sometimes be measured by the number of people in one’s social circle or how often they interact with others, loneliness is how one feels when they are or are not around other people. One may feel lonely when their desired social connection is different than their lived experience.

The issue of social isolation and its potential harms has garnered increasing attention as research continues to shed light on its significance. U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy has highlighted the consequences of loneliness and social isolation. In his words, “Our epidemic of loneliness and isolation has been an underappreciated public health crisis that has harmed individual and societal health. Our relationships are a source of healing and well-being hiding in plain sight – one that can help us live healthier, more fulfilled, and more productive lives.”  

A lack of social connection has been linked to health risks comparable to smoking 15 cigarettes a day. In 2023, one in three adults (34 percent) ages 50 to 80 reported experiencing feelings of isolation over the past year. This represents a marked decline compared with the 56 percent who felt isolated in 2020, but a greater proportion than the 27 percent who reported feeling isolated in 2018.

Recognizing this growing concern of social isolation, the Phinney Neighborhood Association launched the Social Connection Project to identify, develop, and connect people to programs and events that foster social connection, both at the center and throughout the community. Inspired by a social isolation impact summit held at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, the Phinney Neighborhood Association created the role of Social Connection Project Coordinator, a position first occupied by Teresa Tam. As she continues in this role, she is focused on reducing the stigma and discussing the underlying issues of social isolation and loneliness. 

Click on the image above to watch a video recording of the Civic Coffee on social connectivity (YouTube, 54:05).

Tam shared the main goals of the Social Connection Project, which include helping older adults form relationships, fostering a sense of belonging, and creating opportunities for purpose and meaning. To achieve these goals, the project follows a simple framework that focuses on engaging with the community through events like the Civic Coffee, which provides opportunities to educate and learn from community members. Additionally, it involves developing new programs designed to assist older adults with the challenges of social isolation and loneliness. 

At the start of the Social Connection Project in 2021, Tam dedicated much of her time to outreach efforts to understand the needs of community members. Examples include focus groups, brochure/flyer distribution, presentations, and participation in national forums. Additionally, with the assistance of University of Washington graduate students, surveys were distributed, providing valuable insights that have informed the development of new programs.

Older adults in the community expressed a desire for more one-on-one opportunities to connect with others. This prompted the introduction of “Speed Friending,” where older adults can engage in more personal and meaningful interactions with a variety of people. Tam reports that these events have been a success, with three sessions organized so far at different senior centers.

She also shared information about the Backup Plan for Solo Aging, a program designed for those aging without traditional family support. This initiative brings individuals together to discuss the unique challenges that come with solo aging, helps them develop plans, and connects them with valuable resources. Similarly, the Share to Care program supports older adults in forming a caregiving group for themselves.

Another unique program offered is a free 30-minute consultation with Tam. This provides a starting point for those feeling overwhelmed or unsure where to begin. During these consultations, individuals can discuss their current situations, and Tam will guide them in identifying the most suitable programs and resources. 

Beyond these initiatives, the Social Connection Project offers additional programming that address a variety of needs.

The Connect2Affect one-hour workshop helps older adults create a list of people they would like to connect with and develop a plan to strengthen those connections. Connection Rx is a six-week version of the workshop that offers peer support, motivation, and accountability. The project also hosts Forest Therapy trips, discussions on social skills, and film screenings that explore the challenges of social isolation and loneliness. For a complete list of programs and resources offered by the Social Connection Project, visit their web page at the Phinney Neighborhood Association website.

Age Friendly Seattle is grateful for Teresa Tam’s insights, presentation, and resources regarding social connectivity for older adults, as well as the Lake City Senior Center for its partnership in hosting this Civic Coffee event.

Connect with Age Friendly Seattle to learn more about upcoming Civic Coffees and other events. Visit seattle.gov/agefriendly/programs/events and bookmark Aging King County’s Age Friendly Live—Virtual Events webpage.

Contributor Reese Wohrle is an intern with Age Friendly Seattle. He is studying Community, Environment, and Planning at the University of Washington’s School of Built Environments.