The use of digital technology for social wellbeing reduces social isolation in older adults: A systematic review

Sen, Keya; Prybutok, Gayle; Prybutok, Victor R.

doi:10.1016/j.ssmph.2021.101020

Cited by 133 publications

(86 citation statements)

References 39 publications

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“…The main reasons behind these changes are communication and entertainment as well as staying informed and using certain healthcare and financial services [ 40 ]. Results corroborate prior studies that stress their desire to communicate and be entertained in order to reduce social isolation and loneliness [ 41 , 42 ] but also to be informed and access services that would otherwise not be possible [ 43 , 44 ]; they also indicate that perception of technological resources is positive [ 45 ]. There is a clear rise in perceived usefulness and a significant emotional connection has been established between the elderly and technological resources.…”

Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 85%

Technology and Quality of Life of Older People in Times of COVID: A Qualitative Study on Their Changed Digital Profile

Hueso

Martín‐García

Cardoso

2022

IJERPH

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The situation caused by the COVID-19 pandemic brought negative consequences such as social isolation, limited access to routine health and social care services, and lack of self-esteem, especially for older people. In this context, technology took on an important role as the main means of communication and service delivery. The main objective of this study is to analyze the situation of the elderly and their access to technological resources in the time of COVID-19. Based on a qualitative methodology, 58 semi-structured interviews were conducted with people between 65 and 90 years old in Portugal. The results reveal specific difficulties in the use of this type of digital devices and a change in the digital use profile of this age group, characterized by more frequent use of digital devices such as smartphones, the incorporation of certain services such as video calls, and uses associated with communication and entertainment. This study shows that attitudes toward technology among the elderly should be studied further, and these results should be considered to develop and implement training programs specially designed for this age group in order to contribute to their well-being and quality of life.

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Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 85%

Technology and Quality of Life of Older People in Times of COVID: A Qualitative Study on Their Changed Digital Profile

Hueso

Martín‐García

Cardoso

2022

IJERPH

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“…According to 63% of participants, new technologies could help to reduce social isolation, as reported in the literature [ 42 ]. Indeed, DTs offer new means of communication for people living at home or in nursing homes.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Use of Digital Tools, Social Isolation, and Lockdown in People 80 Years and Older Living at Home

Gauthier

Lagarde

Mourey

et al. 2022

IJERPH

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The COVID-19 crisis and associated lockdowns have exposed the extent of social isolation among older adults (OAs). Currently, the French government and medical, social, and charitable organizations are working to find means of limiting the multiple psychological and physical consequences of social isolation on the health of OAs. One proposal is to help the elderly become more comfortable using digital tools (DTs). However, the ability of DTs to reduce social isolation is disputed in the literature. This study aimed to collect the views of OAs on social isolation; to identify the determinants of the use or not of DTs, in particular in the context of a lockdown; and the role of DTs in the strategy to reduce social isolation. This qualitative study was based on 27 semi-structured individual interviews with OAs ≥ 80 years, in Côte-d’Or and Haute-Marne (French departments), from March to May 2021. A total of 96.3% of participants had already owned one or more DTs (mobile phone, tablet, or computer) for several years. The lockdown had not prompted the population to equip themselves more. The most common reason for using DTs was to maintain contact with relatives, and 63% of the participants said that DTs have a positive impact in reducing social isolation. However, there is a significant need for assistance and training in their use, especially since many services are now offered online. The participants suggested that the key to minimizing social isolation remained the maintenance of social contacts. In conclusion, DTs appear to be useful for helping the elderly maintain social links with relatives and, therefore, have a strategic place in the reduction of social isolation. However, these tools should not replace in-person interactions.

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“…Moreover, the Internet of Things technology will assist older adults living alone with maintaining or improving activities of daily life [ 47 ]. Such information technology advancement in healthcare ensures connecting older adults and their families with healthcare resources and may improve physical and mental well-being [ 48 ], which contributes to establishing an integrated healthcare system in ageing communities.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Patient Satisfaction with Telemedicine in Adults with Diabetes: A Systematic Review

Hamasaki¹

2022

Healthcare

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Patient satisfaction assessment is essential for improving the quality of healthcare. Diabetes management using telemedicine technology is promising in the 21st century. However, the number of randomised controlled trials (RCTs) examining the effect of telemedicine on satisfaction in patients with diabetes is limited. This systematic review aimed to summarise the current evidence on patient satisfaction with telemedicine in adults with diabetes and discuss related issues and future directions of telemedicine in patients with diabetes. The author systematically searched PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase and The Cochrane Library, and a total of six RCTs were eligible for this review. Patient satisfaction with telemedicine was as high as conventional face-to-face care; however, telemedicine appeared not to significantly increase patient satisfaction compared with conventional face-to-face care in the included studies. Significant heterogeneity was noted between the studies, including participants’ age, study duration, the method of assessing patient satisfaction and types of telemedicine. Further studies are required to provide firm evidence to healthcare providers who are willing to use telemedicine in diabetes management. Telemedicine technology has been advancing and is a key tool in providing high-quality healthcare to patients with diabetes in the 21st century.

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The use of digital technology for social wellbeing reduces social isolation in older adults: A systematic review

Cited by 133 publications

References 39 publications

Technology and Quality of Life of Older People in Times of COVID: A Qualitative Study on Their Changed Digital Profile

Technology and Quality of Life of Older People in Times of COVID: A Qualitative Study on Their Changed Digital Profile

Use of Digital Tools, Social Isolation, and Lockdown in People 80 Years and Older Living at Home

Patient Satisfaction with Telemedicine in Adults with Diabetes: A Systematic Review

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