Addressing Social Isolation and Depression Among Older Adults
Social isolation and loneliness are more than emotional challenges. They pose serious threats to both mental and physical health, especially for older adults. According to the CDC, older adults who experience isolation face a higher risk of depression, heart disease, and suicidal thoughts.
After identifying the steady increase in these areas and the growing need for mental health support among older adults, Centralina Area Agency on Aging secured grant funding from the North Carolina Center for Health and Wellness to pilot an evidence-based program to designed to improve quality of life and emotional well-being. This program is known as PEARLS.
From 2022-2025, Centralina administered PEARLS to help older adults regain confidence, increase engagement and improve mental health outcomes.
What Is P.E.A.R.L.S
PEARLS stands for Program to Encourage Active and Rewarding Lives. It is a brief evidence-based program focused on reducing depressive symptoms and improving overall well-being among older adults.
Participants work one-on-one with trained PEARLS coaches for up to eight sessions over a four-to-five-month period. Sessions are client-driven and centered on helping participants feel supported, empowered and heard.
The program uses simple behavioral techniques that help individuals:
- Identify challenges affecting their well-being
- Develop realistic, participant-driven solutions
- Increase engagement in meaningful daily activities
- Build confidence and emotional resilience
How Progress Is Measured
To track progress outcomes and ensure effectiveness, PEARLS coaches assess each participant using the PHQ-9, a standardized depression screening tool, during every session.
A reduction in PHQ-9 scores over time indicate improvement in depression symptoms and overall mental health. This consistent measurement allows coaches to tailor and monitor progress throughout the program.
Program impact across the region
During the grant cycle, Centralina Area Agency on Aging staff promoted PEARLS throughout the region and screened 77 potential participants. Of those, 43 completed the full program.
Results demonstrated strong positive outcomes:
- 83 percent of participants achieved remission or no longer met the criteria for clinical depression
- Participants reported increased confidence and improved problem-solving skills
- Many participants became more socially, physically and emotionally engaged.
PEARLS coaches encouraged participants to focus on activity planning across social, physical and pleasant domains. Research shows that when people increase positive activity in their daily lives, mood and overall well-being often improve.
Program Staff Insights
“Being a PEARLS Coach has allowed me to journey with participants and witness improvements as well as great personal strides they may not have realized they had all along,” says Amanda Dawson, Aging Program Coordinator and PEARLS Coach. “The change participants experience from the beginning of the program to the end is impactful and so positive.”
Ongoing Support and Resources
Although the PEARLS program has concluded, Centralina Area Agency on Aging continues to provide education, resources and support related to social isolation, loneliness and mental health for older adults, caregivers and professionals.
Get Involved
If you or someone you know could benefit from mental health resources or a presentation on social isolation and loneliness, Centralina Area Agency on Aging encourages you to connect.
Email: aging@centralina.org
Phone: 800-508-5777
Together, we can continue strengthening connections, well-being and quality of life for older adults in our communities.
