Social prescribing: referral pathways for older adults

Common social prescribing referral options include:

• physical activity programs
• arts and creative groups
• gardening and nature-based activities
• volunteering
• adult learning
• social connection or befriending programs

These can be tailored to patient interests, culture, and functional ability.

Evidence

These intervention types are associated with improved wellbeing and reduced loneliness in older adults (Sadio et al 2024)

Find local programs and refer patients

Work in Liverpool LGA? Help shape the local pilot

Our nine-part series on Social Prescribing in general practice is provided by the Lurnea Community Hub as part of its pilot Social Prescribing Program.

This article appeared in Practice Pulse on Wednesday, 16 September 2026. If you are a GP, practice nurse or practice manager in South Western Sydney and do not get the weekly Practice Pulse email, speak to your Practice Support Officer.