scholarly journals Psychological impacts and online interventions of social isolation amongst older adults during COVID‐19 pandemic: A scoping review

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Natalie Grace Rodrigues ◽  
Claudia Qin Yun Han ◽  
Ya Su ◽  
Piyanee Klainin‐Yobas ◽  
Xi Vivien Wu
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Social Isolation ◽  
Scoping Review ◽  
Online Interventions ◽  
Psychological Impacts

Social Isolation in Chinese Older Adults: Scoping Review for Age-Friendly Community Planning

2017 ◽  
Vol 36 (2) ◽  
pp. 223-245 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Anum Syed ◽  
Lynn McDonald ◽  
Corinne Smirle ◽  
Karen Lau ◽  
Raza M. Mirza ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Social Isolation ◽  
Scoping Review ◽  
Community Planning ◽  
Services De Santé ◽  
Chinese Older Adults ◽  
Milieu Urbain ◽  
Participation Sociale

RÉSUMÉLes adultes chinois plus âgés peuvent être exposés à un risque accru d’isolement social et de solitude; pourtant, une telle compréhension des défis auxquels ils peuvent faire face pour la participation sociale dans leurs quartiers et communautés est fragmentée. Un examen de la portée a été entrepris pour décrire les connaissances actuelles sur l’isolement social et la solitude chez les aînés chinois vivant en milieu urbain dans les sociétés occidentales afin d’éclairer les recherches, les pratiques et les politiques futures au Canada. Dix-neuf articles répondent aux critères d’inclusion. Le système des communautés conçues pour les adultes vieillisantes de l’Organisation mondiale de la Santé a contextualisé les résultats de l’étude. Les études ont identifié des questions liées (1) à la participation sociale; (2) au soutien communautaire et aux services de santé; (3) au logement; (4) à la communauté et à l’information; (5) au respect et à l’inclusion sociale; (6) aux espaces extérieurs et aux édifices publics; (7) à la participation civique et à l’emploi; et (8) au transport. L’isolement social et la solitude sont des préoccupations croissantes au sein de cette population au Canada, et des recherches supplémentaires sont nécessaires pour en déterminer la portée et les interventions efficaces.

scholarly journals Technological interventions for loneliness and social isolation among older adults: a scoping review protocol

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrew Wister ◽  
Ian Fyffe ◽  
Eireann O’Dea
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Social Isolation ◽  
Scoping Review ◽  
English Language ◽  
Data Extraction ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Technological Interventions ◽  
Information And Communication ◽  
Evaluation Trial ◽  
Community Dwelling Older Adults

Abstract Background Loneliness and social isolation are prevalent public health concerns among community-dwelling older adults. One approach that is becoming an increasingly popular method of reducing levels of loneliness and social isolation among older adults is through technology-driven solutions. This protocol outlines a research trajectory whereby a scoping review will be initiated in order to illustrate and map the existing technological approaches that have been utilized to diminish levels of loneliness and social isolation among community-dwelling older adults aged 60 years or older. We will address the question: what are the most common and less used technological approaches to reduce loneliness and social isolation among community-dwelling older adults? Methods A scoping review of Academic Search Premier, AGEline, Global Health, MEDLINE, PsycINFO, and Web of Science databases will take place using our search terms including the following: loneliness, social isolation, older adults, elderly, Aged, Aged 80 and over, program, evaluation, trial, intervention, technology, computer, information and communication technology, internet, and robot. The initial electronic search will be supplemented by reviewing the reference lists and review articles to identify any missing studies. To meet study inclusion criteria, intervention studies had to pertain to community-dwelling adults aged 60 years or older, include technological interventions, include loneliness and/or social isolation as outcome variables, and be written in the English language. Two parallel independent assessments of study eligibility will be conducted for the title, abstract, and full-text screens. Any disagreement will be resolved by consensus and a third reviewer consulted to make a decision if consensus is not achieved initially. Finally, the amalgamation of results will be an iterative process whereby reviewers will refine the plan for presenting results after data extraction is completed so that all of the contents of the extraction may be included in the results. Discussion The information gleaned in this scoping review will be essential to understand the degree to which technological interventions influence social isolation and loneliness among older adults and identify gaps for further research.

scholarly journals The Association between Public Transportation and Social Isolation in Older Adults: A Scoping Review of the Literature

2019 ◽  
Vol 39 (3) ◽  
pp. 393-405
Author(s):  
Madeline Lamanna ◽  
Christopher A. Klinger ◽  
Anna Liu ◽  
Raza M. Mirza
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Rural Communities ◽  
Social Isolation ◽  
Scoping Review ◽  
Public Transportation ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Review Of The Literature ◽  
Inclusion Criteria ◽  
Driving Cessation ◽  
Sound Policy

ABSTRACTInadequate public transportation was recognized as a barrier to social participation, especially for older adults in rural communities and with mobility issues. Older adults will not benefit from opportunities to engage with their community and maintain social networks if they are unable to access them. The purpose of this scoping review was to make recommendations for further research and to summarize areas for improvement identified in the literature that will aid in the development of public transportation initiatives that can better address social isolation for older adults (≥ 55 years of age). Nineteen articles met the inclusion criteria, identifying themes of access to rural public transportation, issues with public transportation, and mobility. In practice, older adults need to prepare for driving cessation and mobility transitions; sound policy requires input to tailor transportation initiatives to an aging population, and future research should explore older adults’ transportation needs and potential solutions in urban and rural communities.

Online Social Networking and Mental Health among Older Adults: A Scoping Review

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-14
Author(s):  
Erica Chen ◽  
Devin Wood ◽  
Renate Ysseldyk
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Life Satisfaction ◽  
Social Networking ◽  
Social Isolation ◽  
Scoping Review ◽  
Treatment Options ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Alternative Methods ◽  
Online Social Networking

Abstract As the number of older adults is expected to increase exponentially within the next few decades, loneliness, social isolation, and depression among seniors are growing public health concerns. Although formal treatment options, such as therapy and medication, can be helpful for depression, they can also be expensive and sometimes ineffective. It is therefore important to consider other potential treatment options and social interventions. Alternative methods for addressing mental health issues are especially important for older adults, as they may encounter barriers associated with aging such as limited mobility and decreased social networks. In these circumstances, online social networking may offer a potential “social cure” to alleviate loneliness, social isolation, and depression. The purpose of this scoping review was to gather and summarize the current literature on associations between online social networking and mental health outcomes (e.g., depression, life satisfaction, loneliness) among older adults. An initial search of 3,699 articles resulted in 52 articles that met criteria for inclusion. Five common themes were identified: (1) enhanced communication with family and friends, (2) greater independence and self-efficacy, (3) creation of online communities, (4) positive associations with well-being and life satisfaction, and (5) decreased depressive symptoms. Implications for older adults’ mental health, social connectedness, programs and policies are discussed.

scholarly journals Mitigating the psychological impacts of COVID-19 restrictions: The Behavioural Activation in Social Isolation (BASIL) pilot randomised controlled trial to prevent depression and loneliness among older people with long term conditions

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Simon Gilbody ◽  
Elizabeth Littlewood ◽  
Dean McMillan ◽  
Carolyn Chew-Graham ◽  
Della Bailey ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Social Isolation ◽  
Pilot Trial ◽  
Mean Difference ◽  
Behavioural Activation ◽  
Long Term Conditions ◽  
Psychological Impacts

Background Older adults with long-term conditions have become more socially isolated (often due to advice to shield to protect them from COVID-19) and are thus at particular risk of depression and loneliness. There is a need for brief scalable psychosocial interventions to mitigate the psychological impacts of social isolation. Behavioural Activation is a plausible intervention, but a trial is needed. Methods We undertook an external randomised pilot trial (ISRCTN94091479) designed to test recruitment, retention and engagement with, and the acceptability and preliminary effects of the intervention. Participants aged ≥ 65 years with two or more long-term conditions were recruited between June and October 2020. Behavioural Activation was offered to intervention participants (n=47), and control participants received usual care (n=49). Findings Remote recruitment was possible and 45/47 (95.7%) randomised to the intervention completed one or more sessions (median 6 sessions). 90 (93.8%) completed the one month follow-up, and 86 (89.6%) completed the three month follow-up. The between-group comparison for the primary clinical outcome at one month was an adjusted between group mean difference of -0.50 PHQ-9 points (95% CI -2.01 to 1.01), but only a small number of participants had completed the intervention at this point. At three months, the PHQ-9 adjusted mean difference was 0.19 (95% CI -1.36 to 1.75). When we examined loneliness, the between-group difference in the De Jong Gierveld Loneliness scale at one month was 0.28 (95% CI -0.51 to 1.06), and there was statistically significant between group difference at three months (-0.87; 95% CI -1.56 to -0.18). Participants who withdrew had minimal depressive symptoms at entry. Interpretation Behavioural Activation is a plausible intervention to mitigate the psychological impacts of COVID-19 isolation for older adults. The intervention can be delivered remotely and at scale, but should be reserved for older adults with evidence of depressive symptoms. The significant reduction in loneliness is unlikely to be a chance finding, and this will now be confirmed in a fully powered RCT. Funding This study was funded by National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Programme Grants for Applied Research (PGfAR) RP-PG-0217-20006

scholarly journals Risk Factors for Social Isolation Among Older Adults in Long Term Care: A Scoping Review

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sheila A. Boamah ◽  
Rachel Weldrick ◽  
Tin-Suet Joan Lee ◽  
Nicole Taylor
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Social Isolation ◽  
Scoping Review ◽  
Long Term Care ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Structural Factors ◽  
Term Care ◽  
Online Databases

Objectives: A wealth of literature has established risk factors for social isolation among older people, however much of this research has focused on community-dwelling populations. Relatively little is known about how risk of social isolation is experienced among those living in long-term care (LTC) homes. We conducted a scoping review to identify possible risk factors for social isolation among older adults living in LTC homes. Methods: A systematic search of five online databases retrieved 1535 unique articles. Eight studies met the inclusion criteria. Results: Thematic analyses revealed that possible risk factors exist at three levels: individual (e.g., communication barriers), systems (e.g., location of LTC facility), and structural factors (e.g., discrimination). Discussion: Our review identified several risk factors for social isolation that have been previously documented in literature, in addition to several risks that may be unique to those living in LTC homes. Results highlight several scholarly and practical implications.

scholarly journals Technologies and the Effects On Social Engagement In Long-Term Care Facilities During COVID-19: A Scoping Review

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 886-886
Author(s):  
Timothy Wood ◽  
Shannon Freeman ◽  
Alanna Koopmans
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Social Isolation ◽  
Scoping Review ◽  
Social Engagement ◽  
Social Connectedness ◽  
Long Term Care ◽  
Policy Decisions ◽  
Term Care ◽  
Care Facilities

Abstract During the COVID-19 pandemic, the sense of loneliness and social isolation felt by older adults in long-term care facilities has been exacerbated. Although there has been an increase in the number of digital solutions to mitigate social isolation during COVID-19, facilities in northern British Columbia do not have sufficient information regarding the technologies to support social connectedness. To support evidence-based policy decisions, a scoping review was conducted to identify existing virtual technology solutions, apps, and platforms that promote social connectedness among older adults residing in long-term care. A combination of keywords and subject headings were used to identify relevant literature within PubMed, CINAHL EBSCO, PsychINFO EBSCO, Embase OVIDSP, and Web of Science ISI databases. DistillerSR was used to screen and summarize the article selection process. Twenty-three articles were identified for full-text analysis. A variety of technologies are described which can be used to mitigate the impacts of social isolation felt by long-term care residents. However, many of these digital solutions require stable highspeed internet. This remains a challenge for facilities in northern areas as many have limited access to reliable internet. Metrics used to evaluate social engagement in the context of long-term care are also outlined. This research provides the preliminary groundwork necessary to better inform policy decisions about which technologies are available and, of these, which are effective at enhancing social connectedness for older adults in long-term care.

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