Engage Coaching for Loneliness in Older Adults
Official title: Engage Coaching to Reduce Social Isolation and Loneliness to Prevent Suicide in Later Life
Run by University of Rochester · NCT07488559 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A coaching program is tested to see if it helps adults 60 and older feel more connected to people in meaningful ways.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 60 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 120 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University of Rochester Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Rochester, New York) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | June 30, 2026 |
| Main results expected | December 31, 2028 |
| Study ends | December 31, 2028 |
| Registry record updated | August 17, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07488559 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Individuals aged 60+ who live with or have access to social activities outside the home and report clinically significant loneliness.
✕Probably not a fit
People without loneliness or with significant cognitive impairment or sensory/hearing barriers may derive little or no benefit.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This randomized controlled trial tests Engage Coaching against a waitlist control in adults aged 60 and above who report clinically significant loneliness. Participants complete daily ecological momentary assessments for 10 days at several time points to measure social connection, followed by 8- and 16-week follow-ups to evaluate engagement and clinical impact. The study offers up to 10 one-on-one coaching sessions over up to four months, with assessments continuing throughout. EMA prompts are scheduled at personally chosen times to aid recall and ease of completion. The primary comparison examines whether coaching improves social connection and related outcomes compared with no coaching, with data collected from EMA and standard measures at baseline, 8 weeks, and 16 weeks.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, participants may experience greater feelings of social connection and reduced loneliness, potentially improving emotional well-being.
How similar studies have gone: Prior work suggests behavioral coaching and EMA-informed interventions can reduce loneliness, though results vary by population and implementation.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion criteria: * Age 60 or older * Access to social activities outside the home, including through living in senior living communities * Clinically-significant loneliness over the prior month. Exclusion criteria: * Current problem drinking * Psychosis * Significant cognitive impairment * Hearing problems that preclude engagement with S-ENG and research assessors.
Where it's running
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University of Rochester
Rochester, New York, United States Recruiting
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.