Can Communication Technologies Reduce Loneliness and Social Isolation in Older People? A Scoping Review of Reviews

Abstract

Background: Loneliness and social isolation in older age are considered major public health concerns and research on technology-based solutions is growing rapidly. This scoping review of reviews aims to summarize the communication technologies (CTs) (review question RQ1), theoretical frameworks (RQ2), study designs (RQ3), and positive effects of technology use (RQ4) present in the research field.

Methods: A comprehensive multi-disciplinary, multi-database literature search was conducted. Identified reviews were analyzed according to the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) framework. A total of N = 28 research reviews that cover 248 primary studies spanning 50 years were included.

Results: The majority of the included reviews addressed general internet and computer use (82% each) (RQ1). Of the 28 reviews, only one (4%) worked with a theoretical framework (RQ2) and 26 (93%) covered primary studies with quantitative-experimental designs (RQ3). The positive effects of technology use were shown in 55% of the outcome measures for loneliness and 44% of the outcome measures for social isolation (RQ4).

Conclusion: While research reviews show that CTs can reduce loneliness and social isolation in older people, causal evidence is limited and insights on innovative technologies such as augmented reality systems are scarce.

Keywords: interventions; older adults; research reviews; senior citizens; social inclusion; social wellbeing; technology-mediated communication.

Figure 1

Literature Identification, Screening, and Inclusion for the Scoping Review of Reviews Addressing the Impact of Communication Technologies (CTs) on Loneliness and Social Isolation Among Older Adults. Note. Scoping review procedure for literature search, screening, and selection. Figure created following PRISMA-ScR guidelines. Searched databases: (1) MEDLINE, (2) Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) Xplore, (3) Association for Computing Machinery (ACM) Digital Library, (4) Scopus, and (5) PsycINFO. Results for each database: MEDLINE (n = 113), IEEE (n = 14), ACM (n = 15), Scopus (n = 555), and PsycINFO (n = 25).

Figure 2

Investigated CTs According to Context of Use as Represented in the Included Research Reviews. Note. Abbreviations: (SNS) social networking site, (AR/VR) augmented reality/virtual reality system. Technologies are grouped based on the context in which they were studied: exclusively in targeted interventions or in targeted interventions and self-directed behaviors. N = 28 included research reviews.