Loneliness and social isolation interventions for older adults: a scoping review of reviews

Abstract

Background: Loneliness and social isolation are growing public health concerns in our ageing society. Whilst these experiences occur across the life span, 50% of individuals aged over 60 are at risk of social isolation and one-third will experience some degree of loneliness later in life. The aim of this scoping review was to describe the range of interventions to reduce loneliness and social isolation among older adults that have been evaluated; in terms of intervention conceptualisation, categorisation, and components. Methods: Three electronic databases (CINAHL, Embase and Medline) were systematically searched for relevant published reviews of interventions for loneliness and social isolation. Inclusion criteria were: review of any type, published in English, a target population of older people and reported data on the categorisation of loneliness and/or social isolation interventions. Data extracted included: categories of interventions and the reasoning underpinning this categorisation. The methodology framework proposed by Arskey and O'Malley and further developed by Levac, et al. was used to guide the scoping review process. Results: A total of 33 reviews met the inclusion criteria, evaluating a range of interventions targeted at older people residing in the community or institutionalised settings. Authors of reviews included in this paper often used the same terms to categorise different intervention components and many did not provide a clear definition of these terms. There were inconsistent meanings attributed to intervention characteristics. Overall, interventions were commonly categorised on the basis of: 1) group or one-to-one delivery mode, 2) the goal of the intervention, and 3) the intervention type. Several authors replicated the categorisation system used in previous reviews. Conclusion: Many interventions have been developed to combat loneliness and social isolation among older people. The individuality of the experience of loneliness and isolation may cause difficulty in the delivery of standardised interventions. There is no one-size-fits-all approach to addressing loneliness or social isolation, and hence the need to tailor interventions to suit the needs of individuals, specific groups or the degree of loneliness experienced. Therefore, future research should be aimed at discerning what intervention works for whom, in what particular context and how.

Barriers and Facilitators That Influence Social Participation in Older Adults With Dual Sensory Impairment

“…The present study explored which contextual barriers or facilitators influenced social participation from the perspective of older adults with DSI, in order to better understand and learn from their lived experience. Social isolation experienced by older adults is a public health concern (Holt-Lundstad, 2017;Fakoya et al, 2020). This is no less important for older adults with DSI who often experience participation restrictions due to challenges in communication, mobility, and access to information.…”

Loneliness and Social Isolation in Older Adults during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Implications for Gerontological Social Work

“…As we have helped them to transition into the world created by the COVID-19 crisis, we can be there to help them transition into the post-COVID-19 world. We must be cognizant of the fact that each person experiences loneliness and social isolation in their own unique way and our responses must be tailored to meet those individual needs that is grounded in evidence-based practice (20)(21).…”

Social capital and cost-related medication nonadherence (CRN): A retrospective longitudinal cohort study using the Health and Retirement Study data, 2006–2016

“…The lack of social capital deters sense of community, mobility, and neighborly support ( Adler & Newman, 2002 ; Cramm et al, 2013 ; Hirsch et al, 2016 ; Michael et al, 2006 ). It is important for older adults to have a sense of community to provide social integration, a sense of purpose, and emotional support as social isolation and loneliness is highly prevalent among this population (S. Cohen, 2004 ; Fakoya, McCorry, & Donnelly, 2020 ; P A Thoits, 1995 ; Peggy A. Thoits, 2011 ).…”