Universal Basic Neighborhood 2: Universal Belonging, Place-based Interventions to Reduce Loneliness

Universal Basic Neighborhood 2: Universal Belonging, Place-based Interventions to Reduce Loneliness

The Universal Basic Neighborhood 2 is a new research study with a goal of understanding and addressing the factors that impact loneliness in older adults in Louisville, Universal Belonging, Place-based Interventions to Reduce Loneliness

What is the Loneliness Study?

In 2025, the Center for Healthy Air Water and Soil launched a new study aimed at addressing loneliness among older adults in Louisville. This project builds on prior findings that highlighted the prevalence of subjective loneliness in seniors and its impact on mental and physical health. The intervention study is designed to evaluate the effectiveness of community-based strategies, such as increased access to cultural experiences, neighborhood engagement, and improved information about local services, in reducing reported feelings of loneliness among residents aged 65 and older. Participants will complete pre- and post-intervention surveys using validated tools, including the UCLA Loneliness Scale, to assess changes in emotional wellbeing. This study represents a major step toward understanding how place-based resources and programs can promote social connection and emotional wellness in aging populations.

Why Loneliness Matters

Loneliness is more than just a feeling, it’s a serious public health concern. Research shows that chronic loneliness can increase the risk of depression, anxiety, cognitive decline, heart disease, and even premature death. In fact, the health risks of loneliness are comparable to smoking 15 cigarettes a day. While many people experience temporary loneliness, persistent loneliness, especially among older adults, can profoundly affect both mental and physical wellbeing. By identifying and addressing the root causes of loneliness, we can improve quality of life, support healthy aging, and build stronger, more connected communities.

While often used interchangeably, loneliness and social isolation are not the same. Loneliness is the subjective feeling of being alone or disconnected, even when others are physically nearby. Social isolation, on the other hand, is an objective lack of social contact or meaningful interaction. A person can feel lonely even if they have frequent visitors, or not feel lonely even if they live alone. This study specifically focuses on subjective loneliness—how people perceive their emotional and social connections.

Why Louisville

Louisville is home to a diverse and aging population, with significant disparities in health outcomes across neighborhoods. According to the Louisville Metro Health Equity Report, factors like neighborhood design, income inequality, access to transportation, and community engagement all influence health and wellbeing. In some areas, seniors experience high levels of loneliness but have limited access to programs that could help. This study is focused on place-based solutions—working with local partners, arts organizations, and community groups to help seniors feel more connected where they live. Louisville’s strong network of cultural institutions and its commitment to health equity make it an ideal place to pilot innovative strategies that can be shared nationally.


Lack of Social Support Amongst Adults

 


Feeling of Social Isolation Amongst Adults

 

Published Research

Summary: We have been reading about previous studies investigating and addressing loneliness. Read our literature review summary here.

Selected Articles: These are our favorite articles that inform our work.

 

How the Study Works

Understanding and addressing loneliness in older adults requires more than just good intentions—it requires data, community insight, and real-world solutions. This study takes a step-by-step approach to identify where loneliness is most concentrated, understand the conditions that contribute to it, and test meaningful interventions that can improve connection and wellbeing for seniors in Louisville.

Over four years, our team will combine neighborhood data, community surveys, and place-based pilot programs to learn what works best. From mapping loneliness risk across Jefferson County to partnering with community groups on targeted solutions, this project is built to be both research-driven and deeply local.

Neighborhood Focus

We know that loneliness doesn’t affect all communities equally. Where someone lives—their access to transportation, community spaces, healthcare, and social opportunities—can play a major role in how connected or isolated they feel. That’s why our study begins by identifying which neighborhoods in Jefferson County may be home to seniors most at risk for loneliness.

We are currently using a range of data—demographics, clinical outcomes, place-based characteristics, and life-course factors—to understand the conditions that may contribute to loneliness in older adults. This approach helps us prioritize neighborhoods not only by who lives there, but by how the built and social environment shapes daily life for seniors.

Neighborhoods have not yet been selected, but this careful, data-informed process will ensure that our future interventions are strategic, equitable, and responsive to the unique needs of each community.

Timeline

Here’s a closer look at each phase of the study—from identifying neighborhoods, to surveying residents, to testing innovative strategies that help seniors feel more connected in the places they call home.

2025: Neighborhood Identification & Data Analysis

  • Use a comprehensive GIS database of 216 census tracts in Jefferson County to identify neighborhoods with place-based factors linked to high levels of loneliness.
  • Prioritize areas with environmental, social, and infrastructural indicators associated with elevated loneliness in older adults.
  • Administer a baseline UCLA Loneliness Scale survey, open to all residents of Jefferson County who are 65 years and older.


2026: Targeted Neighborhood Assessment & Survey Implementation

  • Narrow focus to census tracts with a high proportion of residents aged 65+.
  • Conduct neighborhood-level analysis of environmental and community characteristics.
  • Recruit senior participants and administer: the UCLA Loneliness Scale, Neighborhood asset surveys, and questionnaires on community connection and wellbeing. Any resident of Jefferson County who is 65 years or older is eligible to participate in these surveys.


2027 and 2028: Intervention Implementation and Evaluation

  • Launch interventions in at least three selected neighborhoods with cohorts of volunteer seniors. Any resident of the target neighborhoods who is 65 years or older is eligible to participate in these interventions.
  • Test targeted, place-based strategies such as:
    • Enhanced access to neighborhood-based amenities and engagement opportunities
    • Support and information about local resources and services
  • Monitor changes in loneliness scores and community engagement over time.

 

Ways You Can Participate

For Seniors: In July 2025 we will begin enrolling for the baseline survey, check back soon!

For Partners: If you serve the senior population, please reach out to

For Volunteers: Help with outreach, survey collection, or event support, please reach out to

 

Our Team

This project is supported by the Humana Foundation and is the second collaboration between the Center for Healthy Air Water and Soil with the Christina Lee Brown Envirome Institute at the University of Louisville and the Reverend Jesse Louis Jackson Sr. Center for Racial Justice at Simmons College of Kentucky.

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