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

Author

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  • Nicola Döring

    (Media Psychology and Media Design Group, Technische Universität Ilmenau, 98693 Ilmenau, Germany)

  • Melisa Conde

    (Media Psychology and Media Design Group, Technische Universität Ilmenau, 98693 Ilmenau, Germany)

  • Karlheinz Brandenburg

    (Electronic Media Technology Group, Technische Universität Ilmenau, 98693 Ilmenau, Germany)

  • Wolfgang Broll

    (Virtual Worlds and Digital Games Group, Technische Universität Ilmenau, 98693 Ilmenau, Germany)

  • Horst-Michael Gross

    (Neuroinformatics and Cognitive Robotics Lab, Technische Universität Ilmenau, 98693 Ilmenau, Germany)

  • Stephan Werner

    (Electronic Media Technology Group, Technische Universität Ilmenau, 98693 Ilmenau, Germany)

  • Alexander Raake

    (Audiovisual Technology Group, Technische Universität Ilmenau, 98693 Ilmenau, Germany)

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.

Suggested Citation

  • Nicola Döring & Melisa Conde & Karlheinz Brandenburg & Wolfgang Broll & Horst-Michael Gross & Stephan Werner & Alexander Raake, 2022. "Can Communication Technologies Reduce Loneliness and Social Isolation in Older People? A Scoping Review of Reviews," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(18), pages 1-20, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:19:y:2022:i:18:p:11310-:d:910260
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Ittay Mannheim & Ella Schwartz & Wanyu Xi & Sandra C. Buttigieg & Mary McDonnell-Naughton & Eveline J. M. Wouters & Yvonne van Zaalen, 2019. "Inclusion of Older Adults in the Research and Design of Digital Technology," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 16(19), pages 1-17, October.
    2. Baptiste Isabet & Maribel Pino & Manon Lewis & Samuel Benveniste & Anne-Sophie Rigaud, 2021. "Social Telepresence Robots: A Narrative Review of Experiments Involving Older Adults before and during the COVID-19 Pandemic," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(7), pages 1-26, March.
    3. Graeme Hawthorne, 2006. "Measuring Social Isolation in Older Adults: Development and Initial Validation of the Friendship Scale," Social Indicators Research: An International and Interdisciplinary Journal for Quality-of-Life Measurement, Springer, vol. 77(3), pages 521-548, July.
    4. Diego Zavaleta & Kim Samuel & China T. Mills, 2017. "Measures of Social Isolation," Social Indicators Research: An International and Interdisciplinary Journal for Quality-of-Life Measurement, Springer, vol. 131(1), pages 367-391, March.
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    2. Bérangère Naudé & Anne-Sophie Rigaud & Laila Kamali & Maribel Pino, 2023. "Barriers and Enablers for the Use of Digital Interactive Television in Nursing Home Settings: An Interview Case Study with Older Adults and Professionals," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(3), pages 1-22, January.

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