New horizons in supporting older people's health and wellbeing: is social prescribing a way forward?

Older people’s health and care needs are changing. Increasing numbers live with the combined effects of age-related chronic illness or disability, social isolation and/or poor mental health.

Social prescribing has potential to benefit older people by helping those with social, emotional or practical needs to access relevant services and resources within the local community.

However, researchers have highlighted limitations with the existing evidence-base, while clinicians express concerns about the quality of onward referral services, liability and upfront investment required.