JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

Mental health issues such as depression, loneliness, and cognitive decline are prevalent among older adults and are particularly pronounced in rural areas due to socioeconomic disadvantages, limited health literacy, and social isolation. These challenges have been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, highlighting the urgent need for accessible, community-based mental health strategies. Social prescribing-linking individuals to non-medical community resources-offers a promising model, especially when coupled with culturally relevant and digitally facilitated interventions.

Objective:

This study evaluated the effectiveness of a pilot social prescribing intervention for older adults aged 65 and above in rural South Korea. It assessed changes in social support, loneliness, depression, cognitive function, and life satisfaction before and after the intervention and examined their interrelationships.

Methods:

A quasi-experimental, non-equivalent control group pretest-posttest design was conducted with 294 participants from Gangwon-do (148 intervention, 146 control). The 8-week intervention featured a community-based music storytelling program incorporating local cultural elements and digital facilitation. Data were analyzed using T-tests, difference-in-differences analysis, and structural equation modeling.

Results:

Participants in the intervention group showed significant improvements in depression, social support, and life satisfaction compared to the control group (p < 0.05, 95% CI). While cognitive function showed a slight improvement, it was not statistically significant. Social support emerged as a key mediating factor, positively influencing cognitive function and life satisfaction and negatively associated with depression. No significant direct effects were found between loneliness and cognitive function or social support.

Conclusions:

This pilot study supports the feasibility and mental health benefits of integrating community and digital support through culturally embedded social prescribing for rural older adults. The findings highlight the importance of leveraging local resources and social networks to address mental health disparities in underserved aging populations, offering valuable insights for policymakers and practitioners developing inclusive aging and health promotion strategies. Clinical Trial: Not applicable.