Loneliness has emerged as a critical public health concern, with significant implication for older adults mental and physical wellbeing. At Gary and Mary West PACE in San Diego, California, a transformative, revolutionary peer-support approach—Java Music—is reshaping how social connection is fostered.
West PACE, a nonprofit Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE), serves older adults with varying physical, cognitive, and communication abilities. Their mission is to enable seniors to live in their communities as independently as possible by providing compassionate, comprehensive health and supportive care.
Java Music, a innovative peer support group developed by Java Group Programs, was introduced to create an emotionally safe, peer-driven space where participants could build meaningful relationships.
“When I first started PACE, I thought I couldn’t connect with anyone. Then another participant invited me to Java group. Now I feel like I have a family.” Java Music participant
Hanlon et al. (2025) highlight how social vulnerability – beyond just social connection—correlates with poorer health outcomes.* This underscores the need to rethink traditional activity programming that focuses on entertainment and distraction. A new social revolution is required—one built on peer support and peer mentoring.
West PACE has demonstrated how a structured peer support model can dramatically reduce social isolation and improve mental health outcomes among PACE participants.
The Peer Support Solution
Loneliness and social isolation are widespread across society, particularly among older adults. These conditions persist even when people are invited to participate in typical group or entertainment-based activities.
The psychology behind this is complex, but research suggests that humans may carry an evolutionary fear of confrontation when encountering unfamiliar others—a protective instinct to withdraw until safety is established. This instinct ca lead to persistent isolation and fear-driven behaviors that undermine wellbeing.
Feeling safe is primarily an emotional state. When people in a group laugh together and share empathy as they do in the Java groups, the brain releases bonding and feel-good neurochemicals such as endorphins and dopamine. These create trust, calm and positive anticipation.
Well-structured peer support program intentionally build these emotional connections—helping participants feel safe, valued and part of a community where belonging naturally grows.
Outcomes of the Java Music program at West PACE
““Attendance is consistently high, and engagement remains strong. It’s remarkable to witness how participants realize just how much they have in common with one another.” — Alyssa Armstrong, West PACE
Outcomes include up to 7-point reduction of PHQ scores (a standardized screening tool for depression) over 6 months and 95% of participants report feeling more connected. There was high attendance and sustained participation and the groups were a key factor in emotional well-being improvement.
Feedback from Participants
“Witnessing participants who were once isolated and withdrawn now engaging with one another and forming meaningful bonds has been deeply moving.” — Hannah Garcia, West PACE
“A place that I can accept my true feelings. We have lived our lives, and we have that life to express to others and I love that.” Java Music member
“Java Music is the heart of what PACE is.”
Feedback from Staff Facilitators
“Java Music has created meaningful spaces where participants feel seen, heard, and valued—fostering community, emotional healing, and connection through music and shared stories.” — Lela Vaeao
“Participants report increased sense of belonging, emotional release, and renewed purpose through supporting peers.” – Staff
Next Steps for West PACE
- Implement a third Java Music group due to growing demand
- Implement a Spanish Java group (translation underway)
- Implement another Java program called Java Memory to address needs of people attending our center that are living with dementia.
- Advocate for Java’s expansion across PACE organizations nationwide.
NOTE: Outcomes presented at the 2025 National PACE Association Annual Conference, in New York City, New York, October 5 – 8, 2025
References
*Hanlon, P., Wightman, H., Politis, M., et.al., (2024). The relationship between frailty and social vulnerability: a systematic review. The Lancet Healthy Longevity, 5(3), e214-e226, doi.org/10.1016/S2666-7568(23)00263-5.