Background: Preventing and addressing social isolation and loneliness among older adults is important because of the known associations with negative health outcomes. The Canadian Coalition for Seniors' Mental Health (CCSMH) took on the task of creating clinical guidelines.

Method: A multidisciplinary working group was established. The process was guided by an initial rapid scoping review of the literature focused on older adults. An adapted GRADE approach was utilized.

Results: CCSMH has produced first-ever clinical guidelines on social isolation and loneliness in older adults. Prevention, including recognition of risk factors and educational approaches focused on clinicians and students, is recommended. Targeted screening with validated tools is recommended. A comprehensive assessment is optimal to treat any underlying conditions and to identify contributing factors that may be responsive to psychosocial interventions. An individualized approach to interventions with shared decision-making is recommended. A variety of possible interventions include social prescribing, social activity, physical activity, psychological therapies, animal-assisted therapies and ownership, leisure skill development and activities, and the use of technology.

Conclusion: The problem of social isolation and loneliness is a "geriatric" giant that needs to be recognized and addressed. Because of its complexity, it will require the collective attention of many individuals and organizations working together at multiple levels of society, to raise awareness and find solutions. We recommend that health-care and social service providers use these guidelines as a comprehensive tool to identify, assess, and implement strategies to reduce the negative impact of social isolation and loneliness.

社会隔离和孤独是主要的公共健康问题，与发病率和死亡率有关。由于这一问题在老年人中日益严重，因此为医疗服务提供者提供指导成为当务之急。加拿大老年人心理健康联盟（CCSMH）制定了第一份加拿大社会隔离和孤独指南，以帮助医疗服务提供者识别、评估和管理老年人的社会隔离和孤独。我们对这些指南进行了回顾和总结，以支持医疗保健和社会服务提供者为遭遇社会隔离和孤独的老年人提供最佳实践和循证护理。