Social prescribing recognizes that better health isn't built through medicine alone. By connecting older adults with meaningful community experiences, the Center for Elders’ Independence (CEI) and Connected Horse are demonstrating how relationships, purpose, and nature can become powerful partners in healthy aging.
When people think about healthcare, they often picture doctor's appointments, medications, and medical treatments. While these services remain essential, there is growing recognition that health is shaped by much more than what happens inside a clinic.
Research increasingly shows that social connection, meaningful activities, physical movement, and engagement with the community all play a significant role in health outcomes—particularly for older adults. This concept, known as social prescribing, is gaining momentum across the world as healthcare providers seek ways to support the whole person, not just a diagnosis.
Recently, participants from CEI experienced this approach firsthand through a partnership with Connected Horse, an organization that provides equine-assisted experiences for people living with memory loss and dementia, as well as their care partners.
Set against the backdrop of a peaceful stable in Pleasanton, CA, participants were invited to slow down, engage their senses, and connect with horses through guided activities focused on mindfulness, trust, and non-verbal communication. The experience was less about learning a skill and more about creating opportunities for connection. "People spend so much of their time communicating through words," explained Connected Horse co-founder Paula Hertel.
“At the stables, participants learn about connection in a way that doesn't rely on verbal communication. For individuals living with memory loss, that can be incredibly powerful.”
Participants began with breathing exercises, sensory walks, and mindfulness activities before meeting the horses. Over time, they progressed from observing the animals to grooming, leading, and interacting with them. The environment encouraged participants to focus on the present moment, build confidence, and experience a sense of calm.
The impact of programs like Connected Horse extends beyond a pleasant day outdoors. Research conducted in partnership with Stanford University and UC Davis found that care partners reported reduced feelings of depression, anxiety, and caregiver burden, along with improved social support and sleep quality. Participants living with dementia experienced similar benefits, with positive outcomes still evident six months after participation. For CEI, these experiences reflect a broader philosophy of care.
“The PACE model has always been about caring for the whole person, not just treating a medical condition. Social prescribing is a natural extension of that philosophy.”
"Partnerships like Connected Horse help connect our participants to experiences that support their health, strengthen community, and remind us that healing can happen in many different ways," explains Sheryl Morasco, Director of Outreach and Enrollment at CEI.
Throughout the day, participants demonstrated just how meaningful these experiences can be. Emma Boeckling, Activity Coordinator at CEI PACE Concord, observed firsthand how quickly participants engaged with the horses. She shares,
“I've seen the value of animal interaction, but it was amazing to see how horses connect with seniors.”
One participant, she noted, quickly earned the nickname "horse whisperer" after attracting the attention of nearly every horse in sight.
The partnership between CEI and Connected Horse demonstrates what becomes possible when healthcare organizations and community partners work together. By combining clinical care with meaningful community experiences, older adults can enjoy better health outcomes and improved quality of life.
Author: Aurelia Santos
Photos by: Emma Boeckling, Paula Hertel, Aurelia Santos / Center for Elders’ Independence
To learn more about Connected Horse and its innovative equine-assisted programs for people living with memory loss and their care partners, visit connectedhorse.org.
Interested in learning whether PACE is right for you or a loved one? Visit cei.elders.org/eligibility-enrollment or call (844) 319-1150 to learn more about the Center for Elders' Independence and see if you qualify for our comprehensive PACE services.
