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. 2024 Sep;17(3):649-674.
doi: 10.1007/s12062-022-09387-1. Epub 2022 Aug 16.

Health Outcomes of Elder Orphans: An Umbrella and Scoping Review of the Literature

Regina Roofeh  1   2 , Dylan M Smith  3 , Lauren Hale  3 , Sean A P Clouston  3
Affiliations

Health Outcomes of Elder Orphans: An Umbrella and Scoping Review of the Literature

Regina Roofeh et al. J Popul Ageing. 2024 Sep.

Abstract

Objectives: As the population of elder orphans grows, little research has investigated the health outcomes of these socially and physically isolated older adults without caregiving support. Umbrella and scoping reviews were performed for studies examining health outcomes of older adults experiencing elements of elder orphanhood.

Methods: Studies published 2010- June 2021 and indexed on PubMed, Web of Science, CINAHL, Medline, or SocINDEX were eligible. Results of included studies were examined both by individual category and overall to determine overlapping outcomes.

Results: Umbrella review returned 1,686 studies, with 14 meeting criteria for social isolation (n=10) and physical isolation (n=4). The scoping review of studies examining unmet caregiving need returned 3,741 results: five met inclusion criteria.

Discussion: Included studies reviewed differing health outcomes in older adults, with a focus on dementia, frailty, and healthcare utilization. Further studies are needed that appraise targeted policies and interventions to improve health outcomes of elder orphans.

Keywords: Elder orphan; caregiving need; physical isolation; social isolation; umbrella review.

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Conflict of interest statement

Declarations Conflicts of Interest The authors have no relevant financial or non-financial interests to disclose.

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