The effectiveness of technology interventions in reducing social isolation and loneliness among community-dwelling older people: A mixed methods systematic review
Objectives: This study reviewed technology-based interventions targeting social isolation and loneliness in community-dwelling older adults. Specific aims were to identify theoretical perspectives, assess intervention effectiveness, and identify barriers and enablers of these interventions. Methods:...
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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Elsevier
2024-03-01
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| Series: | Archives of Gerontology and Geriatrics Plus |
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| Online Access: | http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2950307824000055 |
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| author | R.C. Ambagtsheer K. Borg L Townsin M.A. Pinero de Plaza L.M. O'Brien R. Kunwar M.T. Lawless |
| author_facet | R.C. Ambagtsheer K. Borg L Townsin M.A. Pinero de Plaza L.M. O'Brien R. Kunwar M.T. Lawless |
| author_sort | R.C. Ambagtsheer |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Objectives: This study reviewed technology-based interventions targeting social isolation and loneliness in community-dwelling older adults. Specific aims were to identify theoretical perspectives, assess intervention effectiveness, and identify barriers and enablers of these interventions. Methods: A mixed methods systematic review of intervention studies was conducted, searching six databases (PubMed, PsychINFO, Cochrane Library, CINAHL, ACM and Embase). Peer-reviewed articles describing communicative technology-based intervention studies with qualitative, quantitative, mixed-method, or observational designs, conducted in community settings with older adults (aged ≥65 years), where social isolation and/or loneliness were key outcome measures, were included. The quality of the studies was assessed using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT). Results: Nineteen studies were included in the review. Theory integration was rare in these studies’ research designs. Most were small-scale pilot or feasibility studies, displaying diverse designs, small sample sizes, and variable MMAT-assessed quality. The studies highlighted significant barriers such as resource demands, participant health, literacy, and technical challenges. Conclusion: Significant resource demands continue to impede technology-based interventions addressing social isolation and loneliness in older populations. Future study designs must adapt to overcome these challenges, tailoring approaches to marginalised and often frail communities these interventions aim to support. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-2d782f48115a487593754b2e0d150c7e |
| institution | Kabale University |
| issn | 2950-3078 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2024-03-01 |
| publisher | Elsevier |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Archives of Gerontology and Geriatrics Plus |
| spelling | doaj-art-2d782f48115a487593754b2e0d150c7e2024-11-23T06:36:04ZengElsevierArchives of Gerontology and Geriatrics Plus2950-30782024-03-0111100008The effectiveness of technology interventions in reducing social isolation and loneliness among community-dwelling older people: A mixed methods systematic reviewR.C. Ambagtsheer0K. Borg1L Townsin2M.A. Pinero de Plaza3L.M. O'Brien4R. Kunwar5M.T. Lawless6Torrens University Australia, Adelaide, SA, AustraliaBehaviourWorks Australia, Monash Sustainable Development Institute, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, AustraliaTorrens University Australia, Adelaide, SA, AustraliaCaring Futures Institute, Flinders University, Adelaide, SA, AustraliaTorrens University Australia, Adelaide, SA, Australia; Corresponding author at: Torrens University Australia, GPO Box 2025, Adelaide SA 5000.Torrens University Australia, Adelaide, SA, AustraliaCaring Futures Institute, Flinders University, Adelaide, SA, AustraliaObjectives: This study reviewed technology-based interventions targeting social isolation and loneliness in community-dwelling older adults. Specific aims were to identify theoretical perspectives, assess intervention effectiveness, and identify barriers and enablers of these interventions. Methods: A mixed methods systematic review of intervention studies was conducted, searching six databases (PubMed, PsychINFO, Cochrane Library, CINAHL, ACM and Embase). Peer-reviewed articles describing communicative technology-based intervention studies with qualitative, quantitative, mixed-method, or observational designs, conducted in community settings with older adults (aged ≥65 years), where social isolation and/or loneliness were key outcome measures, were included. The quality of the studies was assessed using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT). Results: Nineteen studies were included in the review. Theory integration was rare in these studies’ research designs. Most were small-scale pilot or feasibility studies, displaying diverse designs, small sample sizes, and variable MMAT-assessed quality. The studies highlighted significant barriers such as resource demands, participant health, literacy, and technical challenges. Conclusion: Significant resource demands continue to impede technology-based interventions addressing social isolation and loneliness in older populations. Future study designs must adapt to overcome these challenges, tailoring approaches to marginalised and often frail communities these interventions aim to support.http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2950307824000055AgedOlder adultsSocial isolationLonelinessSocial connectednessTechnology |
| spellingShingle | R.C. Ambagtsheer K. Borg L Townsin M.A. Pinero de Plaza L.M. O'Brien R. Kunwar M.T. Lawless The effectiveness of technology interventions in reducing social isolation and loneliness among community-dwelling older people: A mixed methods systematic review Archives of Gerontology and Geriatrics Plus Aged Older adults Social isolation Loneliness Social connectedness Technology |
| title | The effectiveness of technology interventions in reducing social isolation and loneliness among community-dwelling older people: A mixed methods systematic review |
| title_full | The effectiveness of technology interventions in reducing social isolation and loneliness among community-dwelling older people: A mixed methods systematic review |
| title_fullStr | The effectiveness of technology interventions in reducing social isolation and loneliness among community-dwelling older people: A mixed methods systematic review |
| title_full_unstemmed | The effectiveness of technology interventions in reducing social isolation and loneliness among community-dwelling older people: A mixed methods systematic review |
| title_short | The effectiveness of technology interventions in reducing social isolation and loneliness among community-dwelling older people: A mixed methods systematic review |
| title_sort | effectiveness of technology interventions in reducing social isolation and loneliness among community dwelling older people a mixed methods systematic review |
| topic | Aged Older adults Social isolation Loneliness Social connectedness Technology |
| url | http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2950307824000055 |
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