Social Prescribing: The Secret to Thriving in Midlife

What is Social Prescribing?

If you are like most, you haven't heard of social prescribing, and if you have, you aren't sure what it is. Social prescribing is an intervention healthcare professionals —such as doctors, nurses, and social workers— utilize to recommend non-medical support services to improve mental, emotional, and physical health. Social prescribing is a movement away from solely relying on medication and medical interventions, and moving to the addition of meaningful social engagement in order to foster long-term wellness. Instead of relying solely on medication, social prescribing directs individuals toward meaningful social engagement that fosters long-term wellness.

Early Initiatives and Growing Awareness

The term social prescribing emerged in the United Kingdom in the late 1990s and gained recognition in the 2000s, and it began to emerge in the United States in the late 2000s and early 2010s. In the 2010s, the U.S. began recognizing the importance of addressing social influences of health. Healthcare providers started connecting patients to community resources to meet basic needs, such as food and housing, aiming to improve overall well-being (Husk, 2020). By the 2020's some U.S. healthcare providers, began incorporating social prescribing approaches in programs For example, The Cleveland Clinic, began offering programs that prescribed nature walks, volunteering, and dance classes to enhance patient well-being (Becker's Hospital Review, 2023).

Some examples of social prescribing are exercise programs, art therapy, writing workshops, volunteering opportunities, support groups, gardening, and nature-based programs. The idea behind social prescribing is to take proactive steps toward a healthier and more fulfilling life rather than waiting for health concerns to escalate. It is a way of empowering individuals to have control of their health.

How Social Prescribing is Connecting Communities

Social prescribing is gaining strength as organizations add additional "eyes" to the community, connecting individuals in need with community support and facilitating social prescribing. The connection specialists are trained to identify at-risk individuals in the community in libraries, community centers, postal workers, and police departments - anywhere the connection specialists can find a point where at-risk individuals interact with community members. Sepi Djavaheri, Director of Community Mobilizers at UJA-Federation of New York, states: "The connection specialist model has been a game-changer in combating loneliness and isolation. By focusing on the social health of individuals who feel disconnected, we’re not just addressing medical needs—we’re fostering meaningful relationships that improve overall well-being. Social health is just as critical as physical health, and by prioritizing human connection, we’re transforming lives and strengthening communities." In the case of UJA, these connection specialists are embedded resources to connect at-risk individuals (particularly older adults) with meaningful social opportunities that enhance their well-being. Programs focused on mentorship, intergenerational engagement, and social activities strengthen community ties and foster a greater sense of belonging.

Why Social Prescribing Matters in Midlife

Midlife often brings a sense of transition. Our roles shift, our responsibilities evolve, and what once provided fulfillment may no longer do so. This shift is natural—after decades of building careers and relationships, we may feel a need for deeper emotional growth and renewed purpose. Traditional healthcare plays a vital role in well-being, but social connection and community engagement are equally crucial. Social prescribing offers a structured, proactive way to thrive during this stage by fostering community, resilience, and personal growth. It reduces loneliness and strengthens social bonds, enhances mental and emotional resilience, and supports physical health and longevity. Research conducted by Holt-Lunstad (2010) revealed that those with strong social relationships had a 50% increased likelihood of survival than those who had weak social relationships.

How to Engage in and Promote Social Prescribing

If social prescribing is new to you, now is the perfect time to explore its benefits. Here’s how you can start.

1. Talk to your healthcare provider. Ask about social prescribing programs in your area.
2. Explore local opportunities. Libraries, local clergy and local non-profits.
3. Explore online resources. National Academy for Social Prescribing, Social Prescribing Network, Social Prescribing USA,

Thriving in midlife requires more than just focusing on physical health—it demands engagement, purpose, and a strong sense of community. Social prescribing provides a way to enhance well-being while fostering deep, meaningful connections.

So, where do you start? It could be a walking group, an art class, or volunteering for a cause you care about. Whatever you choose, prioritizing social well-being is one of the most impactful steps toward a healthier, more connected future.