Digital Storytelling as an Intervention for Older Adults: A Scoping Review

Abstract

The population of older adults is rapidly increasing worldwide. Owing to fewer interactions between generations, older adults experience ageism and various psychological issues, such as depression and loneliness. Digital storytelling (DST) has the potential to share vivid lived experiences, support the forming of social relationships, and lead to improved well-being. This scoping review examines the potential psychosocial benefits of individual DST interventions for older adults and people with dementia. We adopted the methodological framework for scoping reviews outlined in the Joanna Briggs Institute’s (JBI) manual. A scoping review was performed using the following bibliographic databases: Web of Science, PubMed, Cochrane Library, CINAHL, Research Information Sharing Service, and National Assembly Library. There were 395 references retrieved, of which 19 articles were selected after applying inclusion and exclusion criteria. Our findings revealed that the most common effects of DST on older adults included the promotion of mental health, an increased amount of meaningful community connections, greater digital literacy, the mitigation of negative ageism, and enhanced intellectual ability. We suggest randomized controlled trials are conducted to confirm the efficacy of intergenerational DST intervention and the effects of DST interventions at multilevel outcomes, including the community level.

From illness management to quality of life: rethinking consumer health informatics opportunities for progressive, potentially fatal illnesses

“… 130 Older adults’ “digital storytelling” can promote emotional and mental health, address loneliness, 131 , 156 and help develop meaningful social connections across generations. 129 However, although a “digital legacy” can be of comfort to loved ones, without clarity as to the disposition of this information after a person’s death may go against what they envisioned. 157 , 158 Future CHI studies could examine both how digital storytelling and digital legacy discussions could be integrated into palliative care programs.…”

Harnessing digital health interventions to bridge the gap in prevention for older adults

“…These interventions present creative solutions aimed at effectively addressing the health concerns faced by this demographic. The pervasive utilization of mobile health applications and wearable sensors has fundamentally transformed the delivery of healthcare, enabling the provision of real-time monitoring, tailored interventions, and remote healthcare assistance ( 11 ). The use of digital platforms has a unique and unparalleled prospect to effectively engage a broader demographic of older individuals, while simultaneously reducing expenses in comparison to conventional healthcare approaches ( 12 ).…”

A rapid review of the effectiveness of interventions for addressing digital exclusion in older adults

“…Older adults may face a range of barriers when considering or attempting to use digital technologies. Physical barriers include aging-related barriers such as poor eyesight and lack of dexterity, and individual/personal barriers such as living alone, lower income, lack of knowledge around how to use digital technologies and difficulty understanding digital terminology (Vassilakopoulou 2023; Moroney 2020; Schirmer 2023, Yazdani-Darki et al 2020). Perceptual barriers include internalised negative perceptions and stereotypes of aging, fear and anxiety, and lack of confidence of using and/or in digital technologies (Gates 2022; Vassilakopoulou 2023; Schirmer 2023).…”

“…Physical barriers include aging-related barriers such as poor eyesight and lack of dexterity, and individual/personal barriers such as living alone, lower income, lack of knowledge around how to use digital technologies and difficulty understanding digital terminology (Vassilakopoulou 2023; Moroney 2020; Schirmer 2023, Yazdani-Darki et al 2020). Perceptual barriers include internalised negative perceptions and stereotypes of aging, fear and anxiety, and lack of confidence of using and/or in digital technologies (Gates 2022; Vassilakopoulou 2023; Schirmer 2023). This highlights the need to support older adults in developing the necessary skills required to navigate the rapidly evolving digital landscape and address the current digital divide.…”