The Effectiveness of Group Work Interventions in Reducing Isolation Among the Elderly in Plateau State

Social isolation among elderly persons is increasingly recognised as a determinant of physical and psychological morbidity, warranting evidence-based social work group interventions designed to strengthen social connectedness and subjective wellbeing. This study evaluates the effectiveness of social work group work interventions in reducing social isolation among elderly persons in Plateau State, North Central Nigeria, focusing on community and institutional settings in Jos North and Shendam. A quasi-experimental pre-test and post-test design is employed with an intervention group of 60 elderly persons participating in structured group work facilitated by social workers, compared with a control group of 60. Validated social isolation and wellbeing scales are administered at baseline and eight-week follow-up. The study finds that participants in social work-facilitated group work demonstrate statistically significant reductions in loneliness scores and improvements in self-reported wellbeing compared to controls. Programme facilitators note that groups with strong peer bonding and shared cultural activities show better retention and outcome maintenance. Drawing on mutual aid group work theory, the study argues for group work as a sustainable and cost-effective social work strategy for elderly social inclusion. Recommendations include training social workers in group facilitation for elderly populations, establishing regular community groups in all local government areas, and developing culturally grounded group activity frameworks. Keywords: elderly isolation, group work, social work intervention, Plateau State, wellbeing