“Social Isolation” does not mean what people think it means

 

By Kendall Worth

 

Poverty is a complicated problem, a tight and twisted knot of many different social, economic and health related issues.  I address many of these issues in both this BLOG and in my advocacy work.

I have long recognized that social isolation is almost always a key element of life in poverty, - it is both a cause and a result. This is why a central theme of my writings over the past few years has been promoting the social prescription approach. This is a health-centered approach to poverty reduction that addresses not only physical health and economic well-being, but social factors that impact well-being, such as loneliness and isolation. 

It is my belief – and my personal experience - that issues of mental health and social isolation are major obstacles to addressing poverty issues. That is why I am always calling for the creation of social prescription programs – and if possible, - a social prescribing organization (SPO) here in Nova Scotia.

However, my efforts to promote this approach to reducing poverty through social inclusion initiatives has not generated the desired results. We were able at one point to secure short-term funding for a project that would try to mitigate social isolation through community activities, as recounted in this BLOG here. But the All Together Link project only lasted one year and barely scratched the surface.  

Clearly, the sales pitch that I described in this BLOG  last year to encourage government to adopt a social prescription approach has not yet found a buyer.  In reflecting upon this failing, I have identified what I think is the CENTRAL REASON that I think underlies the resistance to the social prescription approach.

A Misunderstanding of “Social Isolation”:

People seem to interpret the phrase “social isolation” in terms of socializing, - the act of going out with others to movies, bars and restaurants. In this context, social isolation is viewed as a personal choice or failing, - but not something that warrants government funded intervention by professionals. I have discussed this issue in a 2024 BLOG post.   

If you understand social isolation to mean that people are simply too shy or hesitant to go out and socialize, you likely think the policy response to this “problem” is some sort of social club as discussed in earlier BLOGs here.  The problem is that this thinking does NOT reflect an accurate understanding of what social isolation actually looks like or how it is experienced by people living on Income Assistance and often dealing with diverse mental health issues as well as disabilities.

Social isolation refers to a lack of social connections or regular interaction with others. It is more than being lonely. For example, one person can be surrounded by people and still feel lonely, while another can live alone but feel perfectly content. Nonetheless, prolonged social isolation does tend to increase the risk of loneliness and vice versa.

The mental health consequences of social isolation are well-documented and deeply concerning. Being isolated for extended periods does not just “feel bad” - it can be harmful. It can lead to increased risk of depression and anxiety, high levels of stress, difficulties in coping, sleep problems and over time cognitive decline. These in turn can then increase the extent of a person’s social isolation.

Looking Forward:

The bottom-line is that the sales pitch for social prescription in Nova Scotia needs to be rethought. To help me in this process, I have undertaken a SWOT Analysis. SWOT analysis is a strategic planning tool used to identify and assess both internal features of a person or organization (Strengths and Weaknesses) and the external forces (Opportunities and Threats) to inform decision-making.  I will share this analysis in an upcoming BLOG.

At the same time, we are fast approaching the Spring Session of the Nova Scotia Legislature, when our provincial government will present their budget for the year and announce any new initiatives. As discussed in a recent BLOG, the Houston Government has not yet expressed an interest in investing in efforts to decrease social isolation amongst the poorest in our society.  If the Dept of Opportunities and Social Development – which manages Income Assistance programs – is not willing or able to also address this issue, perhaps we need to shift our lobbying and advocacy efforts towards the Dept of Health and Wellness, instead.

A Footnote:  

I am quick to criticize skeptics of the social prescription approach who frame the whole approach as a tax-payer funded social club. This is an unhelpful distortion of an important approach to addressing the marginalization and isolation of people living on income assistance.

That said, - there is indeed a case to be made for creating spaces in which individuals can come together to socialize in an affordable and safe space. I think we just have to re-frame this idea as a safe socializing hub, - not as a “bar”, sober or otherwise. I mentioned this alternative approach in my first BLOG of 2026, and want to mention it again here.  

Such a Hub would NOT be the focus of a social prescription approach, but it could certainly be one component. Importantly, it would be a space not just for informal socializing like any other drop in center. But such a Hub would also provide access to peer support and other services in a non-institutional setting.

Kendall Worth is an award-winning anti-poverty activist who lives with disabilities and tries to make ends meet on income assistance.