Greenwood Senior Center Project Offers New Programs that Increase Social Connection

Since 2021, the Greenwood Senior Center’s Social Connection Project (SCP) has been working to increase social connection among older adults.

This new programing was spurred by statistics on the negative health impacts of social isolation. Research has shown that lack of social connection can increase health risks as much as smoking 15 cigarettes a day. In January 2023, one in three adults ages 50 to 80 reported feeling socially isolated in a national poll.

In addition to making the community aware of offerings at the Greenwood Senior Center, the SCP has added many new programs. These programs are largely a result of learning from and collaborating with the community on the best ways to identify and engage older adults who could benefit from increased social connection. Some examples of these new programs include:

• Speed Friending- A survey of older adults in the community conducted in partnership with University of Washington students revealed survey participants wanted more opportunities to meet others one-on-one. This led to the creation of Speed Friending– a fun and fast paced way to meet new people in a way that dissolves awkward social barriers. The SCP has offered two Speed Friending events so far, and is planning to offer another one this October.
• Solo Aging Groups- The SCP Coordinator is passionate about helping identify solutions for ‘solos’- individuals who cannot or choose not to rely on family to help them navigate life events and make health decisions as they age. Strong social connections are a critical part of this solo aging process. Because of this, the SCP offers Solo Aging groups to help solos plan for and manage health and well-being decisions and events during the second half of life.
• Social Connection Consultations- The SCP Coordinator learned through her community outreach efforts that many people need a contact person to discuss their concerns about social isolation, rather than just a brochure with a list of available programs. Because of this, she now offers one-on-one consultations to help individuals and/or their loved ones identify and brainstorm ways to increase their level of social connection.
• Connect2Affect Community Workshop- Through her involvement in national learning and networking opportunities created by Commit to Connect, the SCP Coordinator discovered the Connect2Affect Community Workshop created by the AARP Foundation. The workshop helps participants craft a ‘friendventory’ to take stock of their social contacts and think about ways to improve their connections. The SCP offers these workshops at the Greenwood Senior Center, as well as at Seattle Housing Authority senior housing, and is open to offering the workshop elsewhere in the community.

To date, 87% of SCP participants surveyed reported feeling more connected to others and/or having more resources to increase their level of social connection.

For more information, visit the SCP website or contact Teresa Tam, SCP Coordinator, at 206-531-0061 or teresat@phinneycenter.org.

The Greenwood Senior Center is part of the Phinney Neighborhood Association (PNA) and serves the Greater Northwest Seattle area and North King County. PNA’s mission is to build, engage and support its diverse community through programs, services, and activities that connect neighbors and foster civic engagement. The SCP is funded by the King County Veterans, Seniors and Human Services Levy. This funding will be up for renewal on the August 2023 ballot.