[Report] Social Prescribing Needs of Older Adults in Canada

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• This report provides preliminary findings from a patient-oriented research project aiming to understand the social prescribing needs of older adults, aged 55+, living in Canada. The purpose of this report is to provide an overview of key themes that emerged from our analyses of the data, with specific attention to equity-considerations that can help inform the development and implementation of social prescribing programs. In fulfilling this purpose, results from the study were analyzed to identify differences in social prescribing needs and attitudes by age, gender, income, ethnicity, residential status, geographic location, sexual orientation, and disability status.

• Findings highlight widespread health and social needs, diverse barriers to healthcare access and utilization, and a generally positive perception of the holistic health care supported by social prescribing programs. Furthermore, we highlight systematic inequities and individualized needs of individuals across demographic groups – reflecting broader challenges to health equity experienced by individuals who are socially marginalized and structurally disadvantaged. As the results of this report are exploratory, they should be interpreted with caution. However, it is our hope that our results will provide preliminary insights that can be helpful for those engaged in front line implementation of social prescribing programs.