Together, at a distance: experiences with a novel technology for social contact among older people and their relatives in Norway during the COVID-19 pandemic

User interfaces for older adults to support social interaction through digital technology: a systematic review update

PURPOSE

This systematic review aims to update the results related to user interfaces and digital technologies that support the social interactions of older adults. Multiple innovative technological forms in existing research were evaluated to obtain evidence that digital technologies improve older adults' quality of life and social well-being.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A search for relevant studies published in the last five years was conducted using the databases of Google Scholar, IEEE Xplore, PubMed, Scopus, Springer Link and Web of Science.

RESULTS

Of the 4959 records identified, a total of 29 studies met the inclusion criteria. The findings were reviewed in three areas: social interaction of older adults supported by user interface, the digital technologies used in the user interface, and the effects of user interfaces on the social interactions of older adults.

CONCLUSIONS

Future research should develop digital technologies and service models to enhance the quality of life of older adults. Long-term solutions to promote social interaction in older adults require more user interface support. Community connection-based user interfaces can support existing social relationships and develop new social circles for older adults.