Abstract
Social isolation and loneliness among older adults represent significant public health challenges in aging societies. This cluster randomized controlled trial investigates the effectiveness of two interventional strategies in mitigating depression and enhancing social well-being among individuals aged 60 and above in urban and rural communities. The study will enroll more than 2000 participants across 20 counties, randomly assigned to three groups: a control group without intervention, a social interaction group participating in group activities and community outings, and a comprehensive intervention group receiving social interactions plus individual cognitive behavioral therapy sessions. Over a six-month intervention period, primary and secondary outcomes will comprehensively assess participants' health and well-being, including depression levels (GDS-15), loneliness (UCLA Loneliness Scale), quality of life (SF-12), self-reported health status, physical functioning (Short Physical Performance Battery), cognitive function (Mini-Mental State Examination), and social support (Lubben Social Network Scale). Participants will undergo assessments at baseline, 3 months, 6 months, and a 12-month follow-up. By comparing these intervention approaches, the research seeks to generate evidence-based insights into effective strategies for improving mental health, social engagement, and overall well-being among older adults, potentially informing future community-based intervention programs and social support policies.