Interventions to reduce social isolation and loneliness among older people: an integrative review

Abstract

Loneliness and social isolation are major problems for older adults. Interventions and activities aimed at reducing social isolation and loneliness are widely advocated as a solution to this growing problem. The aim of this study was to conduct an integrative review to identify the range and scope of interventions that target social isolation and loneliness among older people, to gain insight into why interventions are successful and to determine the effectiveness of those interventions. Six electronic databases were searched from 2003 until January 2016 for literature relating to interventions with a primary or secondary outcome of reducing or preventing social isolation and/or loneliness among older people. Data evaluation followed Evidence for Policy and Practice Information and Co‐ordinating Centre guidelines and data analysis was conducted using a descriptive thematic method for synthesising data. The review identified 38 studies. A range of interventions were described which relied on differing mechanisms for reducing social isolation and loneliness. The majority of interventions reported some success in reducing social isolation and loneliness, but the quality of evidence was generally weak. Factors which were associated with the most effective interventions included adaptability, a community development approach, and productive engagement. A wide range of interventions have been developed to tackle social isolation and loneliness among older people. However, the quality of the evidence base is weak and further research is required to provide more robust data on the effectiveness of interventions. Furthermore, there is an urgent need to further develop theoretical understandings of how successful interventions mediate social isolation and loneliness.

Public transport policy, social engagement and mental health in older age: a quasi-experimental evaluation of free bus passes in England

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Differences in Social Isolation and Its Relationship to Health by Rurality

“…More research is needed to assess the evidence base for interventions to address social isolation; however, our findings underscore the importance of acting on this issue. Our findings also suggest that interventions should be tailored by geographic setting, where demographic, economic, and health care characteristics differ as well.…”

Posttraumatic growth in head and neck cancer survivors: Is it possible and what are the correlates?

“…Interventions to facilitate PTG have been developed, but few have been tested in cancer survivors, and it is unclear whether or how interventions need to be modified for different groups. Indirect routes to encourage PTG may bring benefits, such as finding ways to increase social support (eg, through cancer buddy schemes), or adaption of existing interventions to reduce social isolation . Since men and older survivors are vulnerable to low PTG, it is important to ensure that any such interventions appeal to these groups.…”

“…Indirect routes to encourage PTG may bring benefits, such as finding ways to increase social support (eg, through cancer buddy schemes 39 ), or adaption of existing interventions to reduce social isolation. 40 Since men and older survivors are vulnerable to low PTG, it is important to ensure that any such interventions appeal to these groups.…”