1
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Autschbach D, Hagedorn A, Halek M. Addressing loneliness and social isolation through the involvement of primary and secondary informal caregivers in nursing homes: a scoping review. BMC Geriatr 2024; 24:552. [PMID: 38918689 PMCID: PMC11197341 DOI: 10.1186/s12877-024-05156-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2023] [Accepted: 06/17/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To clarify the mechanisms of interventions addressing loneliness and social isolation in older adults living in nursing homes through the involvement of primary and secondary informal caregivers. METHODS This scoping review was performed by two independent reviewers, covering the period between 2011 and 2022 and the databases MEDLINE, CINAHL, PsycINFO and Scopus. It included terms related to (A) informal caregivers, (B) nursing homes, (C) psychosocial interventions, (D) involvement and (E) social isolation or loneliness. RESULTS Thirty-three studies met the inclusion criteria. Although there were various definitions and assessment tools related to social isolation and loneliness, the studies referred to three dimensions of these concepts in nursing home residents: the quantity of social interactions, the perception of these encounters and biographical changes in social relationships. Most studies did not explicate the mechanisms of these interventions. The review uncovered the following aspects of intervention mechanisms: increasing opportunities for social contact, creating meaningful encounters, maintaining existing relationships with primary informal caregivers and establishing new ones with secondary informal caregivers. CONCLUSION Studies reporting on interventions addressing loneliness and social isolation in nursing home residents need to clarify and detail their intervention mechanisms in order to foster more targeted interventions. In addition, there is a need for further research on large-scale programs or care philosophies in this field and the development of intervention designs, which allow for tailored intervention formats in order to respond to the individual perception of social relationships.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dominique Autschbach
- School of Nursing Science, Witten/Herdecke University, Alfred-Herrhausen-Straße 50, 58455, Witten, Germany.
| | - Anika Hagedorn
- School of Nursing Science, Witten/Herdecke University, Alfred-Herrhausen-Straße 50, 58455, Witten, Germany
| | - Margareta Halek
- School of Nursing Science, Witten/Herdecke University, Alfred-Herrhausen-Straße 50, 58455, Witten, Germany
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2
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Kang JW, Oremus M, Dubin J, Tyas SL, Oga-Omenka C, Golberg M. Exploring the differential impacts of social isolation, loneliness, and their combination on the memory of an aging population: A 6-year longitudinal study of the CLSA. Arch Gerontol Geriatr 2024; 125:105483. [PMID: 38788370 DOI: 10.1016/j.archger.2024.105483] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2024] [Revised: 05/02/2024] [Accepted: 05/06/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024]
Abstract
Memory plays a crucial role in cognitive health. Social isolation (SI) and loneliness (LON) are recognized risk factors for global cognition, although their combined effects on memory have been understudied in the literature. This study used three waves of data over six years from the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging to examine whether SI and LON are individually and jointly associated with memory in community-dwelling middle-aged and older adults (n = 14,208). LON was assessed with the question: "In the last week, how often did you feel lonely?". SI was measured using an index based on marital/cohabiting status, retirement status, social activity participation, and social network contacts. Memory was evaluated with combined z-scores from two administrations of the Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test (immediate-recall, delayed-recall). We conducted our analyses using all available data across the three timepoints and retained participants with missing covariate data. Linear mixed models were used to regress combined memory scores onto SI and LON, adjusting for sociodemographic, health, functional ability, and lifestyle variables. Experiencing both SI and LON had the greatest inverse effect on memory (least-squares mean: -0.80 [95 % confidence-interval: -1.22, -0.39]), followed by LON alone (-0.73 [-1.13, -0.34]), then SI alone (-0.69 [-1.09, -0.29]), and lastly by being neither lonely nor isolated (-0.65 [-1.05, -0.25]). Sensitivity analyses confirmed this hierarchy of effects. Policies developed to enhance memory in middle-aged and older adults might achieve greater benefits when targeting the alleviation of both SI and LON rather than one or the other individually.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ji Won Kang
- School of Public Health Sciences, University of Waterloo, 200 University Avenue West, Waterloo, ON, N2L 3G1, Canada
| | - Mark Oremus
- School of Public Health Sciences, University of Waterloo, 200 University Avenue West, Waterloo, ON, N2L 3G1, Canada.
| | - Joel Dubin
- Statistics and Actuarial Science, University of Waterloo, 200 University Avenue West, Waterloo, ON, N2L 3G1, Canada
| | - Suzanne L Tyas
- School of Public Health Sciences, University of Waterloo, 200 University Avenue West, Waterloo, ON, N2L 3G1, Canada
| | - Charity Oga-Omenka
- School of Public Health Sciences, University of Waterloo, 200 University Avenue West, Waterloo, ON, N2L 3G1, Canada
| | - Meira Golberg
- Statistics and Actuarial Science, University of Waterloo, 200 University Avenue West, Waterloo, ON, N2L 3G1, Canada
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3
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Shekelle PG, Miake-Lye IM, Begashaw MM, Booth MS, Myers B, Lowery N, Shrank WH. Interventions to Reduce Loneliness in Community-Living Older Adults: a Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. J Gen Intern Med 2024; 39:1015-1028. [PMID: 38200279 DOI: 10.1007/s11606-023-08517-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2023] [Accepted: 10/26/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The problem of loneliness has garnered increased attention from policymakers, payors, and providers due to higher rates during the pandemic, particularly among seniors. Prior systematic reviews have in general not been able to reach conclusions about effectiveness of interventions. METHODS Computerized databases were searched using broad terms such as "loneliness" or "lonely" or "social isolation" or "social support" from Jan 1, 2011 to June 23, 2021. We reference mined existing systematic reviews for additional and older studies. The Social Interventions Research & Evaluation Network database and Google were searched for gray literature on Feb 4, 2022. Eligible studies were RCTs and observational studies of interventions to reduce loneliness in community-living adults that used a validated loneliness scale; studies from low- or middle-income countries were excluded, and studies were excluded if restricted to populations where all persons had the same disease (such as loneliness in persons with dementia). RESULTS A total of 5971 titles were reviewed and 60 studies were included in the analysis, 36 RCTs and 24 observational studies. Eleven RCTs and 5 observational studies provided moderate certainty evidence that group-based treatment was associated with reduced loneliness (standardized mean difference for RCTs = - 0.27, 95% CI - 0.48, - 0.08). Five RCTs and 5 observational studies provided moderate certainty evidence that internet training was associated with reduced loneliness (standardized mean difference for RCTs = - 0.22, 95% CI - 0.30, - 0.14). Low certainty evidence suggested that group exercises may be associated with very small reductions in loneliness. Evidence was insufficient to reach conclusions about group-based activities, individual in-person interactions, internet-delivered interventions, and telephone-delivered interventions. DISCUSSION Low-to-moderate certainty evidence exists that group-based treatments, internet training, and possibly group exercises are associated with modest reductions in loneliness in community-living older adults. These findings can inform the design of supplemental benefits and the implementation of evidence-based interventions to address loneliness. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION NUMBER PROSPERO ( CRD42021272305 ).
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul G Shekelle
- Greater Los Angeles Veterans Affairs Healthcare System, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
- Division of General Internal Medicine & Health Services Research, Department of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
- General Internal Medicine 111G, West Los Angeles VA Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
| | - Isomi M Miake-Lye
- Greater Los Angeles Veterans Affairs Healthcare System, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Fielding School of Public Health, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Meron M Begashaw
- Greater Los Angeles Veterans Affairs Healthcare System, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Marika S Booth
- RAND Corporation, Southern California Evidence-Based Practice Center, Santa Monica, CA, USA
| | - Bethany Myers
- Louise M. Darling Biomedical Library, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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4
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Mira JJ, Torres D, Gil V, Carratalá C. Loneliness impact on healthcare utilization in primary care: A retrospective study. J Healthc Qual Res 2024:S2603-6479(24)00027-7. [PMID: 38670900 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhqr.2024.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2024] [Revised: 03/13/2024] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND An increased number of patients seek help for loneliness in primary care. OBJECTIVE To analyze whether loneliness was associated with a higher utilization of healthcare facilities. METHODS Observational, retrospective study based on the review of routinely coded data in the digital medical record system in a random sample of patients aged 65 or older, stratified by population size of their residence area. A minimum sample size was estimated at 892 medical records. Loneliness was defined as the negative feeling that arises when there is a mismatch between the quantity and quality of a person's social relationships and those, they desire. Thirty-three primary care nurses (30 females and 3 males) were reviewing the data. RESULTS A total of 932 medical records of patients were reviewed (72% belonged to female patients). Of these, 657 individuals were living alone (71.9%). DeJong Scale average scores was 8.9 points (SD 3.1, 95CI 8.6-9.1). The average annual attendance to primary care ranged from 12.2 visits per year in the case of family practice, 10.7 nurse, 0.7 social workers. The average number of home visits was 3.2, and the urgent consultations attended at health centers were 1.5 per year. Higher feelings of loneliness were associated with extreme values in the frequency of healthcare resource usage. Compared to their peers of the same age, the additional healthcare resource consumption amounted to €802.18 per patient per year. CONCLUSION Loneliness is linked to higher healthcare resource usage in primary care, with individuals experiencing poorer physical and mental health utilizing these resources up to twice as much as their peers of the same age.
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Affiliation(s)
- J J Mira
- Healthcare District Alicante-Sant Joan, Fisabio, Alicante, Spain; Health Psychology Department, Universidad Miguel Hernandez, Elche, Spain; RICAPPS (Research Network on Chronicity, Primary Care, and Prevention and Health Promotion), Spain.
| | - D Torres
- Healthcare District Alicante-Sant Joan, Fisabio, Alicante, Spain
| | - V Gil
- RICAPPS (Research Network on Chronicity, Primary Care, and Prevention and Health Promotion), Spain; Medicine Department, Universidad Miguel Hernandez, Sant Joan, Spain
| | - C Carratalá
- RICAPPS (Research Network on Chronicity, Primary Care, and Prevention and Health Promotion), Spain; Medicine Department, Universidad Miguel Hernandez, Sant Joan, Spain
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5
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Schoenmakers EC, Lasgaard M, McHugh Power J. Guidelines for evaluating and reporting social isolation and loneliness interventions. J Health Psychol 2024:13591053241238127. [PMID: 38527950 DOI: 10.1177/13591053241238127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Given the unpleasant nature of social isolation and loneliness (SIL) and their negative effects on health and wellbeing, interventions are needed. However, persistent issues in the design, evaluation, and reporting of SIL interventions preclude conclusive evidence and commentary on the effectiveness of SIL interventions. Here, we propose guidelines for evaluating SIL interventions, firstly by operationalising them into two categories: (1) interventions aiming to reduce SIL as a primary outcome and (2) interventions aiming to improve non-SIL outcomes in the lives of individuals experiencing SIL. Secondly, we evaluate instruments for measuring SIL and research designs for studying intervention effectiveness. Thirdly, guidelines for reporting information about the intervention, study design, results, and discussion in SIL intervention studies are presented. These guidelines will help researchers to better and more consistently report on SIL interventions and improve comparability of SIL interventions, ultimately contributing to the improvement of interventions and to the mitigation of SIL.
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Bethell J, Andrew MK, Hothi S, Mick P, Morgan D, O'Connell ME, Phillips NA, Stewart S, Walker JD, Wittich W, McGilton KS. Does social connection mediate the association between neuroticism and cognition? Cross-sectional analysis of the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging. Aging Ment Health 2024; 28:482-490. [PMID: 37667914 DOI: 10.1080/13607863.2023.2252369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/06/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study tested the association between neuroticism and six cognitive measures, and examined the potential mediating roles of social connection (social isolation and loneliness) among middle-aged and older adults. METHODS This cross-sectional study was a secondary analysis of the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging (CLSA) Comprehensive Cohort, a sample of Canadians aged 45-85 years at baseline. Respondents with data collected at the first follow-up, between 2015 and 2018, were included (n = 27,765). Structural equation modelling was used to assess the association between neuroticism and six cognitive measures (Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test immediate recall and delayed recall, Animal Fluency Test, Mental Alternation Test, Controlled Oral Word Association Test and Stroop Test interference ratio), with direct and indirect effects (through social isolation and loneliness). All analyses were stratified by sex, including females (n = 14,133) and males (n = 13,632). RESULTS In unadjusted models, there was evidence of associations between neuroticism and all cognitive measures, except the Stroop Test interference ratio, suggesting higher neuroticism was associated with lower scores on memory and executive function tests. In the models of these other five outcomes, there was consistent evidence of indirect effects (through social isolation and loneliness) and, in some cases, direct effects. The results are discussed in context with limitations, including the use of cross-sectional design and alternative hypotheses to explain the association between personality and cognition. CONCLUSION Among middle-aged and older adults, for both males and females, the findings suggest that the association between neuroticism and cognitive outcomes may be mediated by aspects of social connection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Bethell
- KITE-Toronto Rehabilitation Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, Canada
- Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Melissa K Andrew
- Division of Geriatric Medicine, Department of Medicine, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Canada
| | - Sobhneek Hothi
- KITE-Toronto Rehabilitation Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, Canada
- Department of Health Studies, University College, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Paul Mick
- Department of Surgery, College of Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Canada
| | - Debra Morgan
- Canadian Centre for Health and Safety in Agriculture, College of Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Canada
| | - Megan E O'Connell
- Department of Psychology, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Canada
| | - Natalie A Phillips
- Department of Psychology, Centre for Research in Human Development, Concordia University, Montreal, Canada
| | - Steven Stewart
- KITE-Toronto Rehabilitation Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, Canada
| | - Jennifer D Walker
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence and Impact, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada
| | - Walter Wittich
- School of Optometry, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Canada
| | - Katherine S McGilton
- KITE-Toronto Rehabilitation Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, Canada
- Lawrence S. Bloomberg Faculty of Nursing, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
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7
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Tyner CE, Boulton AJ, Slotkin J, Cohen ML, Weintraub S, Gershon RC, Tulsky DS. Exploring symptom clusters in mild cognitive impairment and dementia with the NIH Toolbox. J Int Neuropsychol Soc 2024:1-12. [PMID: 38361424 DOI: 10.1017/s1355617724000055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/17/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Symptom clustering research provides a unique opportunity for understanding complex medical conditions. The objective of this study was to apply a variable-centered analytic approach to understand how symptoms may cluster together, within and across domains of functioning in mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and dementia, to better understand these conditions and potential etiological, prevention, and intervention considerations. METHOD Cognitive, motor, sensory, emotional, and social measures from the NIH Toolbox were analyzed using exploratory factor analysis (EFA) from a dataset of 165 individuals with a research diagnosis of either amnestic MCI or dementia of the Alzheimer's type. RESULTS The six-factor EFA solution described here primarily replicated the intended structure of the NIH Toolbox with a few deviations, notably sensory and motor scores loading onto factors with measures of cognition, emotional, and social health. These findings suggest the presence of cross-domain symptom clusters in these populations. In particular, negative affect, stress, loneliness, and pain formed one unique symptom cluster that bridged the NIH Toolbox domains of physical, social, and emotional health. Olfaction and dexterity formed a second unique cluster with measures of executive functioning, working memory, episodic memory, and processing speed. A third novel cluster was detected for mobility, strength, and vision, which was considered to reflect a physical functioning factor. Somewhat unexpectedly, the hearing test included did not load strongly onto any factor. CONCLUSION This research presents a preliminary effort to detect symptom clusters in amnestic MCI and dementia using an existing dataset of outcome measures from the NIH Toolbox.
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Affiliation(s)
- Callie E Tyner
- Center for Health Assessment Research and Translation, University of Delaware, Newark, DE, USA
| | - Aaron J Boulton
- Center for Health Assessment Research and Translation, University of Delaware, Newark, DE, USA
| | - Jerry Slotkin
- Center for Health Assessment Research and Translation, University of Delaware, Newark, DE, USA
| | - Matthew L Cohen
- Center for Health Assessment Research and Translation, University of Delaware, Newark, DE, USA
- Department of Communication Sciences & Disorders, University of Delaware, Newark, DE, USA
- Delaware Center for Cognitive Aging Research, University of Delaware, Newark, DE, USA
| | - Sandra Weintraub
- Mesulam Center for Cognitive Neurology and Alzheimer's Disease, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Richard C Gershon
- Department of Medical Social Sciences, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - David S Tulsky
- Center for Health Assessment Research and Translation, University of Delaware, Newark, DE, USA
- Departments of Physical Therapy and Psychological and Brain Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, DE, USA
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8
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Makey LM, Lewis R, Ashmore R, Wigfield A. Loneliness and the COVID-19 pandemic: implications for practice. BRITISH JOURNAL OF NURSING (MARK ALLEN PUBLISHING) 2024; 33:110-114. [PMID: 38335099 DOI: 10.12968/bjon.2024.33.3.110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/12/2024]
Abstract
Loneliness is a complex universal human experience. A variety of evidence indicates that prolonged loneliness can have a negative effect on an individual's long-term physical and psychological outcomes. Empirical evidence and systematic reviews show strong links between loneliness and ill health, particularly cardiovascular disease and mental health. Loneliness is increasing in frequency and severity. The issue of loneliness has been part of UK Government mandates since 2018; however, evidence suggests that, due to the pandemic, the need to focus on the issue may be even more significant. Assessing for loneliness can be challenging and many people do not want to report their feelings of loneliness. Interventions should aim to be preventive and help people create meaningful interactions. Useful interventions include person-centred interventions, cognitive therapy and group intervention therapy. There is a need for more evidence-based loneliness interventions. A knowledge of local and voluntary sectors is vital so health professionals can effectively support their patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Michelle Makey
- Senior Lecturer, College of Health, Wellbeing and Life Sciences, Sheffield Hallam University
| | - Robin Lewis
- Senior Lecturer, College of Health, Wellbeing and Life Sciences, Sheffield Hallam University
| | - Russell Ashmore
- Senior Lecturer, College of Health, Wellbeing and Life Sciences, Sheffield Hallam University
| | - Andrea Wigfield
- Professor of Applied Social and Policy Research and Director, Centre for Loneliness, College of Health, Wellbeing and Life Sciences, Sheffield Hallam University
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Clift S, Grebosz-Haring K, Thun-Hohenstein L, Schuchter-Wiegand AK, Bathke A, Kaasgaard M. The need for robust critique of arts and health research: the treatment of the Gene Cohen et al. (2006) paper on singing, wellbeing and health in subsequent evidence reviews. Arts Health 2024:1-19. [PMID: 38180011 DOI: 10.1080/17533015.2023.2290075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND This paper considers weaknesses in a study by Cohen et al. (2006) on the impacts of community singing on health. These include high demand characteristics, lack of attention to attrition, flawed statistical analysis, and measurement. Nevertheless, the study is uncritically cited, in evidence reviews, with findings taken at face value. METHODS Google Scholar, SCOPUS and BASE citation functions for Cohen et al. identified 32 evidence reviews in peer-reviewed journals. Eleven of these reviews, published between 2010 and 2023, focused on creative arts interventions. RESULTS We demonstrate limitations in the Cohen et al. research which undermine the conclusions they reach regarding the health benefits of group singing. Subsequent evidence reviews take the findings at face value and offer little critical commentary. DISCUSSION We consider what is needed to improve evidence reviews in the field of creative arts and health research. CONCLUSIONS A more robust approach is needed in reviewing research evidence in the field of arts and health. The Cohen et al. paper is not suitable for inclusion in future evidence reviews.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen Clift
- Sidney De Haan Research Centre for Arts and Health, Canterbury Christ Church University, Canterbury, UK
| | - Katarzyna Grebosz-Haring
- Grebosz-Haring Department of Art History, Musicology and Dance Studies, Paris Lodron University, Salzburg/University Mozarteum, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Leonhard Thun-Hohenstein
- Grebosz-Haring Department of Art History, Musicology and Dance Studies, Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria
| | | | - Arne Bathke
- Grebosz-Haring Department of Art History, Musicology and Dance Studies, Paris Lodron University, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Mette Kaasgaard
- Institute of Regional Health Research, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
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10
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Chua CMS, Chua JYX, Shorey S. Effectiveness of home-based interventions in improving loneliness and social connectedness among older adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Aging Ment Health 2024; 28:1-10. [PMID: 37466183 DOI: 10.1080/13607863.2023.2237919] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2022] [Accepted: 06/29/2023] [Indexed: 07/20/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To evaluate the effectiveness of home-based interventions in improving loneliness and social connectedness (primary outcomes), and depressive symptoms (secondary outcome) among older adults. METHODS Eight electronic databases were searched from inception dates to February 2022. Meta-analyses were conducted using a random-effect model. Heterogeneity was assessed using I2 statistics and Cochran's Q chi-squared test. The Cochrane risk of bias tool and the Grades of Recommendation, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) was used to appraise the included studies. RESULTS Fourteen randomized controlled trials were included. Home-based interventions were found to significantly increase older adults' social connectedness (social support and social engagement) and reduce their loneliness and depressive symptoms. Subgroup analyses suggested that interventions which lasted more than three months and were delivered using mixed platforms were more favorable. Both professional-led and volunteer-led interventions showed favorable results. CONCLUSIONS Future studies could be conducted in varied geographical regions and consider carrying out follow-up assessments. Home-based interventions could be improved by being more than months, delivered by mixed personnel, and using mixed platforms. Considering the low-quality rating by the GRADE approach, future research is needed to confirm current findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Crystal Min Siu Chua
- Alice Lee Centre for Nursing Studies, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Joelle Yan Xin Chua
- Alice Lee Centre for Nursing Studies, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Shefaly Shorey
- Alice Lee Centre for Nursing Studies, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
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11
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Wang Y, Li X, Yao L, Ren T, Wang T. Effectiveness of social support programmes on loneliness in community-dwelling older adults: study protocol for a meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials. BMJ Open 2023; 13:e073739. [PMID: 38072487 PMCID: PMC10729098 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-073739] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The prevalence of loneliness among older adults is of great importance in the field of public health. Numerous studies have provided evidence supporting the effectiveness of social support as a powerful intervention for reducing loneliness in older individuals. However, the specific types of social support that yield positive results are yet to be determined. Therefore, this study aims to conduct a comprehensive review to compare and analyse the effectiveness of different support mechanisms in alleviating loneliness among community-dwelling older adults. METHODS AND ANALYSIS A thorough search will be conducted on various electronic databases, including EMBASE, PubMed, the Cochrane Library, Web of Science, PsycINFO, Scopus, Google Scholar, China National Knowledge Infrastructure Library, China Science and Technology Journal Database (Weipu), WanFang Database, and China Biology Medicine Disc. The search will include randomised controlled trials published in English or Chinese that focus on interventions for loneliness in older individuals, with loneliness as the primary measure of interest. The selection and choice of articles will be the responsibility of both reviewers. The JBI Critical Appraisal Checklist for Randomised Controlled Trials will be used to assess the methodological quality of the included trials. When sufficient data are obtained and the study is relatively homogeneous, a random-effects or fixed-effects model will be employed to conduct a meta-analysis, yielding a descriptive synthesis of the findings. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION Ethics approval will not be sought for this systematic review as it will exclusively focus on published papers. The review findings will be showcased at a conference dedicated to this specific field and published in an appropriate journal that undergoes peer evaluation. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER CRD42020226523.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yinhua Wang
- The Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
| | | | - Li Yao
- The Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou, China
| | - Tingting Ren
- The Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou, China
| | - Tingshu Wang
- Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou, China
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12
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O'Rourke HM, Jeffery N, Walsh B, Quark S, Sidani S. Understanding Acceptability of Group Leisure Activities Used to Address Loneliness Among People Living With Dementia: An Exploratory Mixed-Methods Study. Can J Aging 2023; 42:565-575. [PMID: 37492945 DOI: 10.1017/s0714980823000314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/27/2023] Open
Abstract
This mixed-methods complementarity study explored family members', friends', and health care providers' perspectives of acceptability of group leisure activities as an intervention for loneliness experienced by older adults living with dementia. A sample of 25 family members, friends, and health care providers of people living with dementia in ON rated the acceptability of group leisure activities (adapted Treatment Perception and Preference questionnaire) and discussed their ratings in an interview. Quantitative (descriptive statistics) and qualitative (conventional content analysis) results were integrated to understand acceptability. Participants viewed group leisure activities as effective, logical, and suitable for use with people living with dementia. Participants described the need for flexible programs, careful facilitation, and attention to activity selection. Group leisure activities were seen as low risk, but stigmas related to dementia could prevent participation. The findings inform the design of acceptable group leisure activities, promoting their use to address loneliness in people living with dementia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah M O'Rourke
- Faculty of Nursing, University of Alberta Level 3, Edmonton Clinic Health Academy, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Nicole Jeffery
- School of Nursing, Toronto Metropolitan University, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Brittany Walsh
- Faculty of Nursing, University of Alberta Level 3, Edmonton Clinic Health Academy, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Sheylenne Quark
- Faculty of Nursing, University of Alberta Level 3, Edmonton Clinic Health Academy, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Souraya Sidani
- School of Nursing, Toronto Metropolitan University, Toronto, ON, Canada
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Welch V, Ghogomu ET, Barbeau VI, Dowling S, Doyle R, Beveridge E, Boulton E, Desai P, Huang J, Elmestekawy N, Hussain T, Wadhwani A, Boutin S, Haitas N, Kneale D, Salzwedel DM, Simard R, Hébert P, Mikton C. Digital interventions to reduce social isolation and loneliness in older adults: An evidence and gap map. CAMPBELL SYSTEMATIC REVIEWS 2023; 19:e1369. [PMID: 38024780 PMCID: PMC10681039 DOI: 10.1002/cl2.1369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2023]
Abstract
Background Social isolation and loneliness are more common in older adults and are associated with a serious impact on their well-being, mental health, physical health, and longevity. They are a public health concern highlighted by the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions, hence the need for digital technology tools to enable remotely delivered interventions to alleviate the impact of social isolation and loneliness during the COVID-19 restrictions. Objectives To map available evidence on the effects of digital interventions to mitigate social isolation and/or loneliness in older adults in all settings except hospital settings. Search Methods We searched the following databases from inception to May 16, 2021, with no language restrictions. Ovid MEDLINE, Embase, APA PsycInfo via Ovid, CINAHL via EBSCO, Web of Science via Clarivate, ProQuest (all databases), International Bibliography of the Social Sciences (IBSS) via ProQuest, EBSCO (all databases except CINAHL), Global Index Medicus, and Epistemonikos. Selection Criteria Titles and abstracts and full text of potentially eligible articles were independently screened in duplicate following the eligibility criteria. Data Collection and Analysis We developed and pilot tested a data extraction code set in Eppi-Reviewer and data were individually extracted and coded based on an intervention-outcome framework which was also used to define the dimensions of the evidence and gap map. Main Results We included 200 articles (103 primary studies and 97 systematic reviews) that assessed the effects of digital interventions to reduce social isolation and/or loneliness in older adults. Most of the systematic reviews (72%) were classified as critically low quality, only 2% as high quality and 25% were published since the COVID-19 pandemic. The evidence is unevenly distributed with clusters predominantly in high-income countries and none in low-income countries. The most common interventions identified are digital interventions to enhance social interactions with family and friends and the community via videoconferencing and telephone calls. Digital interventions to enhance social support, particularly socially assistive robots, and virtual pets were also common. Most interventions focused on reducing loneliness and depression and improving quality of life of older adults. Major gaps were identified in community level outcomes and process indicators. No included studies or reviews assessed affordability or digital divide although the value of accessibility and barriers caused by digital divide were discussed in three primary studies and three reviews. Adverse effects were reported in only two studies and six reviews. No study or review included participants from the LGBTQIA2S+ community and only one study restricted participants to 80 years and older. Very few described how at-risk populations were recruited or conducted any equity analysis to assess differences in effects for populations experiencing inequities across PROGRESS-Plus categories. Authors' Conclusions The restrictions placed on people during the pandemic have shone a spotlight onto social isolation and loneliness, particularly for older adults. This evidence and gap map shows available evidence on the effectiveness of digital interventions for reducing social isolation or loneliness in older adults. Although the evidence is relatively large and recent, it is unevenly distributed and there is need for more high-quality research. This map can guide researchers and funders to consider areas of major gaps as priorities for further research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vivian Welch
- Methods Centre, Bruyère Research InstituteOttawaOntarioCanada
| | | | | | - Sierra Dowling
- Methods Centre, Bruyère Research InstituteOttawaOntarioCanada
| | | | - Ella Beveridge
- Methods Centre, Bruyère Research InstituteOttawaOntarioCanada
| | - Elisabeth Boulton
- School of Health Sciences, Division of Nursing, Midwifery and Social WorkUniversity of ManchesterManchesterUK
| | - Payaam Desai
- Methods Centre, Bruyère Research InstituteOttawaOntarioCanada
| | - Jimmy Huang
- Methods Centre, Bruyère Research InstituteOttawaOntarioCanada
| | | | | | - Arpana Wadhwani
- Methods Centre, Bruyère Research InstituteOttawaOntarioCanada
| | | | | | - Dylan Kneale
- Social Science Research Unit, EPPI‐Centre, UCL Institute of EducationUniversity College LondonLondonUK
| | - Douglas M. Salzwedel
- Department of Anesthesiology, Pharmacology and TherapeuticsUniversity of British ColumbiaVancouverBritish ColumbiaCanada
| | | | - Paul Hébert
- Bruyère Research InstituteUniversity of OttawaOttawaOntarioCanada
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Huxhold O, Henning G. The Risks of Experiencing Severe Loneliness Across Middle and Late Adulthood. J Gerontol B Psychol Sci Soc Sci 2023; 78:1668-1675. [PMID: 37431978 PMCID: PMC10561886 DOI: 10.1093/geronb/gbad099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/12/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES From a theoretical point of view, older adults may not necessarily face a greater risk of becoming lonely than middle-aged adults but are more likely at a disadvantage in fighting loneliness. Therefore, in this study, we differentiate between the risk of becoming lonely and the risk of remaining lonely. METHODS A large longitudinal data set representative of the German noninstitutionalized population from 40 to 85 years of age (N = 15,408; 49% female participants) was used in the analysis. Lagged logistic regression models were estimated to investigate the effect of earlier experiences of severe loneliness on the risk of being lonely after three years across middle age and late adulthood. Individual differences in health, views on aging, and social activities were taken into account to explore their role in age differences in the risk of remaining lonely. RESULTS The analysis revealed marginal age differences in the risk of becoming lonely but a marked age gradient regarding the risk of remaining lonely. Lonely older adults who were older than 75 years of age were more likely to remain lonely after three years than lonely middle-aged adults. Controlling for individual differences in health, views on aging as social loss, and social activities accounted for this age difference. DISCUSSION Interventions against loneliness may prioritize older age groups because losses in capacities, shifts in motivations, and a degraded opportunity structure render it increasingly less likely that older adults leave a state of loneliness on their own accord.
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Tian YJ(A, Jotterand F, Wangmo T. Remote Technologies and Filial Obligations at a Distance: New Opportunities and Ethical Challenges. Asian Bioeth Rev 2023; 15:479-504. [PMID: 37808448 PMCID: PMC10555987 DOI: 10.1007/s41649-023-00256-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2023] [Revised: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023] Open
Abstract
The coupled growth of population aging and international migration warrants attention on the methods and solutions available to adult children living overseas to provide distance caregiving for their aging parents. Despite living apart from their parents, the transnational informal care literature has indicated that first-generation immigrants remain committed to carry out their filial caregiving obligations in extensive and creative ways. With functions to remotely access health information enabled by emergency, wearable, motion, and video sensors, remote monitoring technologies (RMTs) may thus also allow these international migrants to be alerted in sudden changes and remain informed of their parent's state of health. As technological solutions for caregiving, RMTs could allow independent living for older persons while any unusual deviations from normal health patterns are detected and appropriately supported. With a vignette of a distance care arrangement, we engage with concepts such as filial piety, in-absentia caregiving distress, and the social exchange theory, as well as the upholding of shifting cultural ideals to illustrate the complex dynamic of the satisfaction and quality of the informal caregiving relationship. This paper extends the traditional ethical issues in technology-aided caregiving, such as autonomy, privacy, and justice, to be considered within the context of distance care. We also posit newer ethical considerations such as consent in power imbalances, harm to caregivers, and stigma. These known and new ethical issues aim to encourage further ethically conscious design and use of RMTs to support distance care for older persons.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Fabrice Jotterand
- Institute for Biomedical Ethics, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Center for Bioethics and Medical Humanities, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, USA
| | - Tenzin Wangmo
- Institute for Biomedical Ethics, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
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16
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Van Bogart K, Johnson JA, Nayman S, Nobel J, Smyth JM. Iterative Design, Feasibility, and Preliminary Efficacy Testing for the Development of a Cooperative Card Game Intervention to Reduce Loneliness and Foster Social Connection. Games Health J 2023; 12:377-384. [PMID: 37279459 DOI: 10.1089/g4h.2022.0245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective: To present the design, development, and pilot testing of Connections, an empirically derived cooperative card game intervention to reduce loneliness and enhance connection. Materials and Methods: Theory and empirical evidence from domains such as self-disclosure, interpersonal closeness, and serious games informed the design of this game. Iterative design was used to develop the intervention, followed by feasibility and preliminary efficacy pilot testing. Results: Pilot testing showed that participants felt confident playing the game and found Connections to be enjoyable, interesting, and helpful in building connections with others, and would recommend the game to others. Preliminary evaluation found statistically significant benefits across multiple domains after playing the game. Participants reported decreases in loneliness, depressed mood, and anxiousness (ps < 0.02). Additionally, participants reported increases in looking forward to forming new connections with others in the future, the degree to which they felt like opening up and talking to others, and the amount they felt like they had in common with others (ps < 0.05). Conclusion: Pilot testing of Connections demonstrated feasibility and preliminary impact among a community sample. Future development plans include minor revisions to the game instructions followed by more rigorous testing of the feasibility, usability, and efficacy of Connections among various settings and populations, with large samples and controlled trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karina Van Bogart
- Department of Biobehavioral Health, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Jillian A Johnson
- Department of Biobehavioral Health, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Sibel Nayman
- Research Group Longitudinal and Intervention Research, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Jeremy Nobel
- Center for Primary Care, Department of Global Health and Social Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Foundation for Art & Healing, New York, New York, USA
| | - Joshua M Smyth
- Departments of Biobehavioral Health and Medicine, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, USA
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17
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Kanbay M, Tanriover C, Copur S, Peltek IB, Mutlu A, Mallamaci F, Zoccali C. Social isolation and loneliness: Undervalued risk factors for disease states and mortality. Eur J Clin Invest 2023; 53:e14032. [PMID: 37218451 DOI: 10.1111/eci.14032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2023] [Revised: 05/07/2023] [Accepted: 05/12/2023] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Social isolation and loneliness are two common but undervalued conditions associated with a poor quality of life, decreased overall health and mortality. In this review, we aim to discuss the health consequences of social isolation and loneliness. We first provide the potential causes of these two conditions. Then, we explain the pathophysiological processes underlying the effects of social isolation and loneliness in disease states. Afterwards, we explain the important associations between these conditions and different non-communicable diseases, as well as the impact of social isolation and loneliness on health-related behaviours. Finally, we discuss the current and novel potential management strategies for these conditions. Healthcare professionals who attend to socially isolated and/or lonely patients should be fully competent in these conditions and assess their patients thoroughly to detect and properly understand the effects of isolation and loneliness. Patients should be offered education and treatment alternatives through shared decision-making. Future studies are needed to understand the underlying mechanisms better and to improve the treatment strategies for both social isolation and loneliness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehmet Kanbay
- Department of Medicine, Division of Nephrology, Koc University School of Medicine, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Cem Tanriover
- Department of Medicine, Koc University School of Medicine, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Sidar Copur
- Department of Medicine, Koc University School of Medicine, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Ibrahim B Peltek
- Department of Medicine, Koc University School of Medicine, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Ali Mutlu
- Department of Medicine, Koc University School of Medicine, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Francesca Mallamaci
- Nephrology, Dialysis and Transplantation Unit Azienda Ospedaliera "Bianchi-Melacrino-Morelli" & CNR-IFC, Institute of Clinical Physiology, Research Unit of Clinical Epidemiology and Physiopathology of Renal Diseases and Hypertension of Reggio Calabria, Reggio Calabria, Italy
| | - Carmine Zoccali
- Renal Research Institute, New York City, New York, USA
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Genetics (Biogem), Ariano Irpino, Italy and Associazione Ipertensione Nefrologia Trapianto Renal (IPNET), c/o Nefrologia, Grande Ospedale Metropolitano, Reggio Calabria, Italy
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18
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Davison RCR, Cowan DT. Ageing, sport and physical activity participation in Scotland. Front Sports Act Living 2023; 5:1213924. [PMID: 37822970 PMCID: PMC10562595 DOI: 10.3389/fspor.2023.1213924] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 08/03/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Aim As sport and physical activity are vital to support extended health spans, this study aimed to analyse the current trends in sports participation and physical activity rates among individuals aged 65 years and older in Scotland. Data were compared with the Chief Medical Officer (CMO) guidelines and analysed the influence of key factors on participation rates. Methods The study used data from the Scottish Health Survey and the Scottish Household Survey (2019) to investigate self-reported participation in physical activity and sports across different age groups. Descriptive statistics and cross-tabulations were used to analyse the relationships between participation rates and influencing factors. Participation data for Parkrun events in Scotland were also analysed for the years 2008-2018. Results The study found a clear decline in sports participation with age, with a steep decline after the age of 65, particularly in women. The majority of participation among individuals aged 65+ was in walking, with a sport participation rate of only 31.2% when walking was excluded. Physical activity and sport participation was lower in women across all age ranges but particularly so in the 75+ age group. The most popular sporting activities in the older age group were keep fit/aerobics, swimming and golf. Additionally, the study found that social deprivation had a major impact on sports participation rates, with the most deprived households exhibiting the lowest participation levels irrespective of age. The prevalence of loneliness was lower among individuals who participated in sports or adhered to the CMO guidelines for moderate/vigorous physical activity and strength-building exercises. Discussion The findings of this study have implications for promoting physical activity and sports participation among older adults, particularly in deprived communities. This study highlights the importance of balance exercises within sport and the need for more targeted efforts to increase participation rates among older adults. The study also emphasizes the positive impact of sports participation on reducing loneliness among older adults. Overall, the findings suggest the need for ongoing efforts to promote physical activity and sports participation among older adults to improve their overall health and well-being.
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Affiliation(s)
- R. C. Richard Davison
- Centre for Culture Sport and Events, University of the West of Scotland, Paisley, United Kingdom
- Sport and Physical Activity Research Institute, University of the West of Scotland, Paisley, United Kingdom
| | - Daryl T. Cowan
- Sport and Physical Activity Research Institute, University of the West of Scotland, Paisley, United Kingdom
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19
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Poudel PG, Horan MR, Brinkman TM, Wang Z, Robison LL, Hudson MM, Huang IC. Interventions with Social Integration Components Addressing Psychosocial Outcomes of Young- and Middle-Aged Adult Cancer Individuals: A Systematic Review. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:4710. [PMID: 37835404 PMCID: PMC10571739 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15194710] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2023] [Revised: 09/17/2023] [Accepted: 09/20/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The majority of adult cancer patients/survivors encounter social challenges (e.g., obtaining social support, maintaining social relationships, feelings of social isolation). This systematic review summarizes intervention studies addressing social integration or social connectedness issues among young- and middle-aged cancer patients/survivors. METHODS We searched the PubMed, CINAHL, and Web of Science databases (January 2000-May 2021) to identify intervention studies that addressed social integration, social connectedness, social support, and social isolation for cancer patients/survivors in young- and middle-aged adulthood (18-64.9 years) through a randomized controlled trial (RCT). We categorized the interventions as technology-based, non-technology-based, and mixed-type (technology- and non-technology-based). RESULTS A total of 28 studies were identified. These interventions demonstrated improved social outcomes (e.g., increased social support, decreased loneliness), increased awareness of available cancer-related resources, and better patient-reported outcomes among patients/survivors versus controls. Specifically, the use of internet-based discussion sessions was associated with improved social cohesion and social support. Receiving social support from peers through networking sites was associated with improved physical activity. Additionally, implementing mixed-type interventions led to better social support from peer survivors, less fear of social interactions, and improved social connectedness. CONCLUSIONS Using existing technology- and/or non-technology-based platforms to facilitate social connectedness among cancer patients/survivors in young- or middle-aged adulthood can help them cope with stressful life circumstances and improve quality-of-life. Further interventions targeting social integration (e.g., social network interventions) are needed to improve the complex social integration challenges experienced by cancer patients and survivors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pragya G. Poudel
- Department of Epidemiology and Cancer Control, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105, USA; (P.G.P.); (M.R.H.); (T.M.B.); (Z.W.); (L.L.R.); (M.M.H.)
| | - Madeline R. Horan
- Department of Epidemiology and Cancer Control, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105, USA; (P.G.P.); (M.R.H.); (T.M.B.); (Z.W.); (L.L.R.); (M.M.H.)
| | - Tara M. Brinkman
- Department of Epidemiology and Cancer Control, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105, USA; (P.G.P.); (M.R.H.); (T.M.B.); (Z.W.); (L.L.R.); (M.M.H.)
- Department of Psychology and Biobehavioral Sciences, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Zhaoming Wang
- Department of Epidemiology and Cancer Control, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105, USA; (P.G.P.); (M.R.H.); (T.M.B.); (Z.W.); (L.L.R.); (M.M.H.)
- Department of Computational Biology, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Leslie L. Robison
- Department of Epidemiology and Cancer Control, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105, USA; (P.G.P.); (M.R.H.); (T.M.B.); (Z.W.); (L.L.R.); (M.M.H.)
| | - Melissa M. Hudson
- Department of Epidemiology and Cancer Control, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105, USA; (P.G.P.); (M.R.H.); (T.M.B.); (Z.W.); (L.L.R.); (M.M.H.)
- Department of Oncology, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - I-Chan Huang
- Department of Epidemiology and Cancer Control, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105, USA; (P.G.P.); (M.R.H.); (T.M.B.); (Z.W.); (L.L.R.); (M.M.H.)
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20
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Smith ML, Chen E, Lau CA, Davis D, Simmons JW, Merianos AL. Effectiveness of chronic disease self-management education (CDSME) programs to reduce loneliness. Chronic Illn 2023; 19:646-664. [PMID: 35957597 DOI: 10.1177/17423953221113604] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES With about half of older adults reporting feelings of loneliness, interventions are needed to improve connectedness among our aging population. The health benefits of Chronic Disease Self-Management Education (CDSME) programs are well documented, but workshops' ability to reduce loneliness remains unknown. METHODS Using the Campaign to End Loneliness Measurement Tool, we examined 295 CDSME participants' loneliness changes before and after the 6-week face-to-face workshops. Statistical analyzes used generalized estimating equations (GEE). RESULTS On average, participants were age 74.3(±8.9) years and self-reported 3.3(±2.2) chronic conditions. The majority of participants were female (83%) and attended workshops in English (77%). Significant reductions in loneliness scores were observed from baseline to post-workshop (p < 0.001). DISCUSSION Findings expand our understanding about the benefits of small-group CDSME workshops to reduce loneliness among participants. CDSME workshops may reduce loneliness because of their highly interactive and process-driven format and ability to create bonds between participants with chronic conditions and shared experiences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew Lee Smith
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, School of Public Health, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
- Center for Population Health and Aging, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | | | | | - Dianne Davis
- Partners in Care Foundation, San Fernando, CA, USA
| | | | - Ashley L Merianos
- Center for Population Health and Aging, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
- School of Human Services, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, USA
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21
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Welch V, Tanjong Ghogomu E, Dowling S, Choo WY, Yunus RM, Mohd TAMT, Haitas N, Bomze S, Dahrouge S, Garcia E, Holt‐Lunstad J, Lasgaard M, Lim MH, Mulligan K, Salzwedel DM, Qualter P, Hébert PC, Mikton C. PROTOCOL: In-person interventions to reduce social isolation and loneliness: An evidence and gap map. CAMPBELL SYSTEMATIC REVIEWS 2023; 19:e1340. [PMID: 37361556 PMCID: PMC10286723 DOI: 10.1002/cl2.1340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/28/2023]
Abstract
This is the protocol for an evidence and gap map. The objectives are as follows: This EGM aims to map available evidence on the effects of in-person interventions to reduce social isolation and/or loneliness across all age groups in all settings.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Wan Yuen Choo
- Department of Social & Preventive Medicine, Faculty of MedicineUniversity of MalayaKuala LumpurMalaysia
| | - Raudah M. Yunus
- Public Health MedicineUniversiti Teknologi MARASungai BulohMalaysia
| | | | | | - Sivan Bomze
- Canadian Red CrossMississaugaCanada
- Canadian Red CrossMississaugaCanada
| | | | - Edward Garcia
- Foundation for Social ConnectionWashingtonDistrict of ColumbiaUSA
| | | | - Mathias Lasgaard
- DEFACTUM ‐ Public Health and Health Services ResearchCentral Denmark RegionAarhus NDenmark
| | - Michelle H. Lim
- University of Sydney, School of Public HealthSydneyAustralia
- Ending Loneliness TogetherMelbourneAustralia
| | - Kate Mulligan
- University of Toronto, Dalla Lana School of Public HealthTorontoCanada
| | - Douglas M. Salzwedel
- Department of Anesthesiology, Pharmacology and TherapeuticsUniversity of British ColumbiaVancouverCanada
| | - Pamela Qualter
- University of Manchester, Mancehster Institute of EducationManchesterUK
| | - Paul C. Hébert
- Bruyere Research InstitutePalliative Care University of OttawaOttawaCanada
| | - Christopher Mikton
- World Health Organization, Department of Social Determinants of HealthGenevaSwitzerland
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22
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Perkins R, Spiro N, Waddell G. Online songwriting reduces loneliness and postnatal depression and enhances social connectedness in women with young babies: randomised controlled trial. Public Health 2023; 220:72-79. [PMID: 37270855 DOI: 10.1016/j.puhe.2023.04.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2022] [Revised: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 04/21/2023] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Loneliness is a public health challenge associated with postnatal depression (PND). This study developed and tested an online songwriting intervention, with the aim of reducing loneliness and symptoms of PND and enhancing social connectedness among women with young babies. STUDY DESIGN This was a two-armed non-blinded randomised controlled trial (RCT, ISRCTN17647261). METHODS Randomisation was conducted in Excel using a 1:1 allocation, with participants (N = 89) allocated to an online 6-week songwriting intervention (Songs from Home) or to waitlist control. Inclusion criteria were women aged ≥18 years, with a baby ≤9 months old, reporting loneliness (4+ on UCLA 3-Item Loneliness Scale) and symptoms of PND (10+ on Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale [EPDS]). Loneliness (UCLA-3) was measured at baseline, after each intervention session and at 4-week follow-up. The secondary measures of PND (EPDS) and social connectedness (Social Connectedness Revised 15-item Scale [SC-15]) were measured at baseline, postintervention and at 4-week follow-up (Week 10). Factorial mixed analyses of variance with planned custom contrasts were conducted for each outcome variable comparing the intervention and control groups over time and across baseline, Weeks 1-6 and the follow-up at Week 10 for each outcome variable. RESULTS Compared with waitlist control, the intervention group reported significantly lower scores postintervention and at follow-up for loneliness (P < 0.001, η2P = 0.098) and PND (P < 0.001, η2P = 0.174) and significantly higher scores at follow-up for social connectedness (P < 0.001, η2P = 0.173). CONCLUSIONS A 6-week online songwriting intervention for women with young babies can reduce loneliness and symptoms of PND and increase social connectedness.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Perkins
- Centre for Performance Science, Royal College of Music, Prince Consort Road, London SW7 2BS, UK; Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, South Kensington Campus, London SW7 2AZ, UK.
| | - N Spiro
- Centre for Performance Science, Royal College of Music, Prince Consort Road, London SW7 2BS, UK; Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, South Kensington Campus, London SW7 2AZ, UK
| | - G Waddell
- Centre for Performance Science, Royal College of Music, Prince Consort Road, London SW7 2BS, UK; Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, South Kensington Campus, London SW7 2AZ, UK
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23
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Adekpedjou R, Léon P, Dewidar O, Al‐Zubaidi A, Jbilou J, Kaczorowski J, Muscedere J, Hirdes J, Heckman G, Girard M, Hébert PC. Effectiveness of interventions to address different types of vulnerabilities in community-dwelling older adults: An umbrella review. CAMPBELL SYSTEMATIC REVIEWS 2023; 19:e1323. [PMID: 37180567 PMCID: PMC10168691 DOI: 10.1002/cl2.1323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
Background Frailty, social isolation, loneliness, and poverty may render older adults vulnerable to social or health stressors. It is imperative to identify effective interventions to address them especially in the context of COVID-19 pandemic. Objective To identify effective community-based interventions to address frailty, social isolation, loneliness, and poverty among community-dwelling older adults. Design Umbrella review. Data Source We systematically searched PubMed, Ovid MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane CENTRAL, EBM-Reviews, CINAHL via EBSCO, and APA PsycInfo via Ovid from January 2009 to December 2022. Eligibility Criteria We included systematic reviews or quantitative reviews of non-pharmacologic interventions targeting community-dwelling older adults. Data Selection Extraction and Management Two review authors independently screened the titles and abstracts, performed data extraction and appraised the methodological quality of the reviews. We used a narrative synthesis approach to summarize and interpret the findings. We assessed the methodological quality of the studies using AMSTAR 2.0 tool. Results We identified 27 reviews incorporating 372 unique primary studies that met our inclusion criteria. Ten of the reviews included studies conducted in low-middle-income countries. Twelve reviews (46%, 12/26) included interventions that addressed frailty. Seventeen reviews (65%, 17/26) included interventions that addressed either social isolation or loneliness. Eighteen reviews included studies with single component interventions, while 23 reviews included studies with multi-component interventions. Interventions including protein supplementation combined with physical activity may improve outcomes including frailty status, grip strength, and body weight. Physical activity alone or in combination with diet may prevent frailty. Additionally, physical activity may improve social functioning and interventions using digital technologies may decrease social isolation and loneliness. We did not find any review of interventions addressing poverty among older adults. We also noted that few reviews addressed multiple vulnerabilities within the same study, specifically addressed vulnerability among ethnic and sexual minority groups, or examined interventions that engaged communities and adapted programs to local needs. Conclusion Evidence from reviews support diets, physical activity, and digital technologies to improve frailty, social isolation or loneliness. However, interventions examined were primarily conducted under optimal conditions. There is a need for further interventions in community settings and conducted under real world settings in older adults living with multiple vulnerabilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rhéda Adekpedjou
- Carrefour de l'innovation et de l'évaluation en santéCentre Hospitalier de l'Université de MontréalMontréalCanada
| | - Pascale Léon
- Carrefour de l'innovation et de l'évaluation en santéCentre Hospitalier de l'Université de MontréalMontréalCanada
| | - Omar Dewidar
- Bruyère Research InstituteUniversity of OttawaOttawaOntarioCanada
| | - Ali Al‐Zubaidi
- Bruyère Research InstituteUniversity of OttawaOttawaOntarioCanada
| | - Jalila Jbilou
- Centre de formation médicale du Nouveau‐Brunswick et École de psychologie, Faculté des sciences de la santé et des services communautairesUniversité de MonctonNouveau‐BrunswickCanada
| | - Janusz Kaczorowski
- Carrefour de l'innovation et de l'évaluation en santéCentre Hospitalier de l'Université de MontréalMontréalCanada
| | - John Muscedere
- Department of Critical Care MedicineQueens University and Canadian Frailty NetworkKingstonOntarioCanada
| | - John Hirdes
- Centre de formation médicale du Nouveau‐Brunswick et École de psychologie, Faculté des sciences de la santé et des services communautairesUniversité de MonctonNouveau‐BrunswickCanada
| | - George Heckman
- School of Public Health and Health SystemsUniversity of WaterlooWaterlooCanada
- Schlegel Research Institute for AgingWaterlooCanada
| | - Magali Girard
- Bureau de Recherche Développement ValorisationUniversité de MontréalMontréalCanada
| | - Paul C. Hébert
- Carrefour de l'innovation et de l'évaluation en santéCentre Hospitalier de l'Université de MontréalMontréalCanada
- Bruyère Research InstituteUniversity of OttawaOttawaOntarioCanada
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Yu DSF, Li PWC, Lin RSY, Kee F, Chiu A, Wu W. Effects of non-pharmacological interventions on loneliness among community-dwelling older adults: A systematic review, network meta-analysis, and meta-regression. Int J Nurs Stud 2023; 144:104524. [PMID: 37295285 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijnurstu.2023.104524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2022] [Revised: 05/05/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The highly prevalent late-life loneliness, together with its deleterious health impacts, calls for increasing attention to the need for effective interventions targeting on this growing public health problem. With the increasing evidence on interventions for combating loneliness, it is timely to identify their comparative effectiveness. OBJECTIVE This systematic review, meta-analysis and network meta-analysis was to identify and compare the effects of various non-pharmacological interventions on loneliness in community-dwelling older adults. METHODS Systematic search was conducted in nine electronic databases from inception to 30th March 2023 for studies investigating the effects of non-pharmacological interventions on loneliness among community-dwelling older adults. The interventions were categorized according to the nature and purpose of use. Pairwise meta-analysis and network meta-analyses were sequentially performed to identify the effects of each category of interventions and their comparative intervention effectiveness, respectively. Meta-regression was performed to examine any influence of study design and participants' characteristics on the intervention effectiveness. The study protocol was registered at PROSPERO (CRD42022307621). RESULTS A total of 60 studies with 13,295 participants were included. The interventions were categorized as psychological interventions, social support interventions (by digital and non-digital means), behavioral activation, exercise intervention with and without social engagement, multi-component intervention and health promotion. Pairwise meta-analysis identified the positive effect of psychological interventions (Hedges' g = -2.33; 95%CI [-4.40, -0.25]; Z = -2.20, p = 0.003), non-digital social support interventions (Hedges' g = -0.63; 95%CI [-1.16, -0.10]; Z = 2.33, p = 0.02) and multi-component interventions (Hedges' g = -0.28 95%CI [-0.54, -0.03]; Z = -2.15, p = 0.03) on reducing loneliness. Subgroup analysis provided additional insights: i) social support and exercise interventions which integrated active strategies to optimize the social engagement demonstrated more promising intervention effects; ii) behavioral activation and multicomponent interventions worked better for older adults who were male or reported loneliness, respectively, and iii) counseling-based psychological interventions was more effective than mind-body practice. Network meta-analysis consistently pointed to the greatest therapeutic benefits of psychological interventions, and this was followed by exercise-based interventions, non-digital social support interventions and behavioral activation. Meta-regression further suggested that the therapeutic effects of the tested interventions were independent of the various factors relating to study design and participants' characteristics. CONCLUSIONS This review highlights the more superior effects of psychological interventions in improving loneliness among older adults. Interventions which have an attribute to optimize social dynamic and connectivity may also be effective. TWEETABLE ABSTRACT Psychological intervention is the best to beat late-life loneliness, but increasing social dynamic and connectivity may add an impact.
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Affiliation(s)
- Doris Sau-Fung Yu
- School of Nursing, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, the University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong.
| | - Polly Wai-Chi Li
- School of Nursing, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, the University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Rose Sin-Yi Lin
- School of Nursing, University of Rochester, United States of America
| | - Frank Kee
- School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Sciences, Centre for Public Health, Queen's University Belfast, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
| | - Alice Chiu
- Improving Health Outcomes Together Team, Alberta Health Services, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Wendy Wu
- School of Nursing, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, the University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
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Paquet C, Whitehead J, Shah R, Adams AM, Dooley D, Spreng RN, Aunio AL, Dubé L. Social Prescription Interventions Addressing Social Isolation and Loneliness in Older Adults: Meta-Review Integrating On-the-Ground Resources. J Med Internet Res 2023; 25:e40213. [PMID: 37195738 PMCID: PMC10233446 DOI: 10.2196/40213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2022] [Revised: 03/09/2023] [Accepted: 03/14/2023] [Indexed: 05/18/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Social prescription programs represent a viable solution to linking primary care patients to nonmedical community resources for improving patient well-being. However, their success depends on the integration of patient needs with local resources. This integration could be accelerated by digital tools that use expressive ontology to organize knowledge resources, thus enabling the seamless navigation of diverse community interventions and services tailored to the needs of individual users. This infrastructure bears particular relevance for older adults, who experience a range of social needs that impact their health, including social isolation and loneliness. An essential first step in enabling knowledge mobilization and the successful implementation of social prescription initiatives to meet the social needs of older adults is to incorporate the evidence-based academic literature on what works, with on-the-ground solutions in the community. OBJECTIVE This study aims to integrate scientific evidence with on-the-ground knowledge to build a comprehensive list of intervention terms and keywords related to reducing social isolation and loneliness in older adults. METHODS A meta-review was conducted using a search strategy combining terms related to older adult population, social isolation and loneliness, and study types relevant to reviews using 5 databases. Review extraction included intervention characteristics, outcomes (social [eg, loneliness, social isolation, and social support] or mental health [eg, psychological well-being, depression, and anxiety]), and effectiveness (reported as consistent, mixed, or not supported). Terms related to identified intervention types were extracted from the reviewed literature as well as descriptions of corresponding community services in Montréal, Canada, available from web-based regional, municipal, and community data sources. RESULTS The meta-review identified 11 intervention types addressing social isolation and loneliness in older adults by either increasing social interactions, providing instrumental support, promoting mental and physical well-being, or providing home and community care. Group-based social activities, support groups with educational elements, recreational activities, and training or use of information and communication technologies were the most effective in improving outcomes. Examples of most intervention types were found in community data sources. Terms derived from the literature that were the most commonly congruent with those describing existing community services were related to telehealth, recreational activities, and psychological therapy. However, several discrepancies were observed between review-based terms and those addressing the available services. CONCLUSIONS A range of interventions found to be effective at addressing social isolation and loneliness or their impact on mental health were identified from the literature, and many of these interventions were represented in services available to older residents in Montréal, Canada. However, different terms were occasionally used to describe or categorize similar services across data sources. Establishing an efficient means of identifying and structuring such sources is important to facilitate referrals and help-seeking behaviors of older adults and for strategic planning of resources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine Paquet
- Département de Marketing, Faculté des Sciences de l'Administration, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
- Centre de Recherche, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Québec - Université Laval, Quebec, QC, Canada
- Centre Nutrition, Santé et Société (NUTRISS), Institut sur la Nutrition et les Aliments Fonctionnels (INAF), Quebec, QC, Canada
| | - Jocelyne Whitehead
- Integrated Program in Neuroscience, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Desautels Faculty of Management, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
- McGill Centre for the Convergence of Health and Economics, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Rishabh Shah
- Desautels Faculty of Management, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
- McGill Centre for the Convergence of Health and Economics, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Alayne Mary Adams
- Department of Family Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Damion Dooley
- Centre for Infectious Disease Genomics and One Health, Simon Fraser University, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - R Nathan Spreng
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | | | - Laurette Dubé
- Desautels Faculty of Management, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
- McGill Centre for the Convergence of Health and Economics, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
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26
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Sommerlad A, Kivimäki M, Larson EB, Röhr S, Shirai K, Singh-Manoux A, Livingston G. Social participation and risk of developing dementia. NATURE AGING 2023; 3:532-545. [PMID: 37202513 DOI: 10.1038/s43587-023-00387-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2022] [Accepted: 02/22/2023] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
The increasing number of people with dementia globally illustrates the urgent need to reduce dementia's scale and impact. Lifetime social participation may affect dementia risk by increasing cognitive reserve, and through brain maintenance by reducing stress and improving cerebrovascular health. It may therefore have important implications for individual behavior and public health policy aimed at reducing dementia burden. Observational study evidence indicates that greater social participation in midlife and late life is associated with 30-50% lower subsequent dementia risk, although some of this may not be causal. Social participation interventions have led to improved cognition but, partly due to short follow-up and small numbers of participants, no reduction in risk of dementia. We summarize the evidence linking social participation with dementia, discuss potential mechanisms by which social participation is likely to reduce and mitigate the impact of neuropathology in the brain, and consider the implications for future clinical and policy dementia prevention interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Sommerlad
- Division of Psychiatry, University College London, London, UK.
- Camden and Islington NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK.
| | - Mika Kivimäki
- Division of Psychiatry, University College London, London, UK
- Department of Public Health, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Eric B Larson
- University of Washington Schools of Medicine and Public Health, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Susanne Röhr
- School of Psychology, Massey University, Manawatu, New Zealand
- Global Brain Health Institute (GBHI), Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
- Institute of Social Medicine, Occupational Health and Public Health (ISAP), Medical Faculty, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Kokoro Shirai
- Department of Social Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Archana Singh-Manoux
- Division of Psychiatry, University College London, London, UK
- Université Paris Cité, Inserm, U1153, Paris, France
| | - Gill Livingston
- Division of Psychiatry, University College London, London, UK
- Camden and Islington NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
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27
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Lekhak N, Bhatta TR, Kahana E, Snyder JS. The Primacy of Compassionate Love: Loneliness and Psychological Well-Being in Later Life. J Gerontol Nurs 2023; 49:12-20. [PMID: 36989476 DOI: 10.3928/00989134-20230309-03] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/31/2023]
Abstract
Despite emerging research on compassionate love's positive influence on later-life psychological well-being, investigations on the mediating processes accountable for such effects are scarce. Using data from a nationwide web-based survey (N = 1,861), we performed a mediation analysis to assess the role of loneliness in explaining the impact of compassionate love on psychological well-being. Even after controlling for emotional support, our model estimates suggest that older adults who felt loved had significantly lower levels of loneliness (β = -0.84, p < 0.001), significantly fewer depressive symptoms (β = -0.86, p < 0.001), and lower anxiety (β = -0.25, p > 0.05). Loneliness completely mediated the effect of compassionate love on anxiety (β = -0.82, p < 0.001) and significantly mediated compassionate love's influence on depressive symptoms (β = -1.18, p < 0.001). Our findings underscore the need for interventions that increase compassionate love to reduce loneliness and improve psychological well-being in later life. [Journal of Gerontological Nursing, 49(4), 12-20.].
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28
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Ashikali EM, Ludwig C, Mastromauro L, Périvier S, Tholomier A, Ionita I, Graf C, Busnel C. Intrinsic Capacities, Functional Ability, Physiological Systems, and Caregiver Support: A Targeted Synthesis of Effective Interventions and International Recommendations for Older Adults. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:4382. [PMID: 36901392 PMCID: PMC10002353 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20054382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2022] [Revised: 02/17/2023] [Accepted: 02/22/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
The ageing population calls for interventions that can assist older people to age healthily. This study aimed to provide a targeted synthesis of high-level research and current evidence-based recommendations on effective interventions for maintaining or preventing the decline in intrinsic capacity, functional ability, and physiological systems, or for caregiver support. Nestled within the healthy ageing framework by the World Health Organization, available evidence was selected in a targeted manner, with the purpose of providing a synthesis that would allow the application of this knowledge in real life. As such, the outcome variables were examined through an Evidence and Gap Map of interventions for functional ability and through guidelines from leading institutions. Systematic reviews, meta-analyses, and guidelines on community-dwelling older adults with or without minor health limitations were considered. Thirty-eight documents were included and over fifty interventions identified. Physical activity interventions were consistently effective across several domains. Recommendations point to screening, whilst highlighting the importance of behavioural factors in the endeavour to age healthily. There is a wide range of activities which are likely to foster healthy ageing. To encourage their uptake, it is important for communities to offer suitable promotion and support, and to make these accessible to the public.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Catherine Ludwig
- Geneva School of Health Sciences, HES-SO, University of Applied Sciences and Arts Western Switzerland, 1206 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Laura Mastromauro
- Geneva Institution for Home Care and Assistance (imad), 1227 Carouge, Switzerland
- Geneva School of Health Sciences, HES-SO, University of Applied Sciences and Arts Western Switzerland, 1206 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Samuel Périvier
- Geneva Institution for Home Care and Assistance (imad), 1227 Carouge, Switzerland
- Department of Rehabilitation and Geriatrics, Geneva University Hospital, 1226 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Aude Tholomier
- Geneva Institution for Home Care and Assistance (imad), 1227 Carouge, Switzerland
| | - Irina Ionita
- PLATEFORME du Réseau Seniors Genève, 1227 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Christophe Graf
- Department of Rehabilitation and Geriatrics, Geneva University Hospital, 1226 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Catherine Busnel
- Geneva Institution for Home Care and Assistance (imad), 1227 Carouge, Switzerland
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Perach R, Read S, Hicks B, Harris PR, Rusted J, Brayne C, Dangoor M, Miles E, Dixon J, Robinson L, Thomas A, Banerjee S. Predictors of loneliness during the Covid-19 pandemic in people with dementia and their carers in England: findings from the DETERMIND-C19 study. Aging Ment Health 2023; 27:521-532. [PMID: 35658781 DOI: 10.1080/13607863.2022.2080179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To identify factors that predict the risk of loneliness for people with dementia and carers during a pandemic. METHODS People with dementia and their carers completed assessments before (July 2019-March 2020; 206 dyads) and after (July-October 2020) the first Covid-19 'lockdown' in England. At follow-up, the analytic sample comprised 67 people with dementia and 108 carers. We built a longitudinal path model with loneliness as an observed outcome. Carer type and social contacts at both measurements were considered. Other social resources (quality of relationship, formal day activities), wellbeing (anxiety, psychological wellbeing) and cognitive impairment were measured with initial level and change using latent growth curves. We adjusted for socio-demographic factors and health at baseline. RESULTS In carers, higher levels of loneliness were directly associated with non-spouse coresident carer type, level and increase of anxiety in carer, more formal day activities, and higher cognitive impairment in the person with dementia. In people with dementia, non-spouse coresident carer type, and higher initial levels of social resources, wellbeing, and cognitive impairment predicted the changes in these factors; this produced indirect effects on social contacts and loneliness. CONCLUSION Loneliness in the Covid-19 pandemic appears to be shaped by different mechanisms for people with dementia and their carers. The results suggest that carers of those with dementia may prioritize providing care that protects the person with dementia from loneliness at the cost of experiencing loneliness themselves. Directions for the promotion of adaptive social care during the Covid-19 pandemic and beyond are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rotem Perach
- School of Psychology, University of Sussex, Brighton, UK
| | - Sanna Read
- Care Policy and Evaluation Centre, London School of Economics and Political Science, London, UK
| | - Ben Hicks
- Brighton and Sussex Medical School, University of Sussex, Brighton, UK
| | - Peter R Harris
- School of Psychology, University of Sussex, Brighton, UK
| | | | - Carol Brayne
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Margaret Dangoor
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Eleanor Miles
- School of Psychology, University of Sussex, Brighton, UK
| | - Josie Dixon
- Care Policy and Evaluation Centre, London School of Economics and Political Science, London, UK
| | | | - Alan Thomas
- Institute for Ageing, Newcastle University, Newcastle, UK
| | - Sube Banerjee
- Brighton and Sussex Medical School, University of Sussex, Brighton, UK.,Faculty of Health, University of Plymouth, Plymouth, UK
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30
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Luhmann M, Buecker S, Rüsberg M. Loneliness across time and space. NATURE REVIEWS PSYCHOLOGY 2023; 2:9-23. [PMID: 36406179 PMCID: PMC9640887 DOI: 10.1038/s44159-022-00124-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
People feel lonely when their social needs are not met by the quantity and quality of their social relationships. Most research has focused on individual-level predictors of loneliness. However, macro-level factors related to historical time and geographic space might influence loneliness through their effects on individual-level predictors. In this Review, we summarize empirical findings on differences in the prevalence of loneliness across historical time and geographical space and discuss four groups of macro-level factors that might account for these differences: values and norms, family and social lives, technology and digitalization, and living conditions and availability of individual resources. Regarding historical time, media reports convey that loneliness is on the rise, but the empirical evidence is mixed, at least before the COVID-19 pandemic. Regarding geographical space, national differences in loneliness are linked to differences in cultural values (such as individualism) but might also be due to differences in the sociodemographic composition of the population. Research on within-country differences in loneliness is scarce but suggests an influence of neighbourhood characteristics. We conclude that a more nuanced understanding of the effects of macro-level factors on loneliness is necessary because of their relevance for public policy and propose specific directions for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maike Luhmann
- grid.5570.70000 0004 0490 981XFaculty of Psychology, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Susanne Buecker
- grid.5570.70000 0004 0490 981XFaculty of Psychology, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Marilena Rüsberg
- grid.5570.70000 0004 0490 981XFaculty of Psychology, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
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31
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Madani MT, Madani L, Ghogomu ET, Dahrouge S, Hébert PC, Juando-Prats C, Mulligan K, Welch V. Is equity considered in systematic reviews of interventions for mitigating social isolation and loneliness in older adults? BMC Public Health 2022; 22:2241. [PMID: 36456997 PMCID: PMC9713122 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-022-14667-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2022] [Accepted: 11/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Social isolation and loneliness affect one in four older adults in many regions around the world. Social isolation and loneliness are shown to be associated with declines in physical and mental health. Intersecting social determinants of health influence both the risk of being socially isolated and lonely as well as the access and uptake of interventions. Our objective is to evaluate what evidence is available within systematic reviews on how to mitigate inequities in access to and effectiveness of interventions. METHODS We performed an overview of reviews following methods of the Cochrane Handbook for Overviews of Reviews. We selected systematic reviews of effectiveness of interventions aimed at mitigating social isolation and loneliness in older adults (aged 60 or above) published in the last 10 years. In addition, we assessed all primary studies from the most recent systematic review with a broad intervention focus. We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO, CINAHL, and Scopus in collaboration with a librarian scientist. We used a structured framework called PROGRESS-Plus to assess the reporting and consideration of equity. PROGRESS-Plus stands for place of residence, race/ethnicity/culture/language, occupation, gender or sex, religion, education, socioeconomic status (SES), social capital, while "plus" stands for additional factors associated with discrimination and exclusion such as age, disability, and sexual orientation. We assessed whether PROGRESS-Plus factors were reported in description of the population, examination of differential effects, or discussion of applicability or limitations. RESULTS We identified and assessed 17 eligible systematic reviews. We assessed all 23 primary studies from the most recent systematic review with a broad intervention focus. All systematic reviews and primary studies described the population by one or more PROGRESS-Plus factor, most commonly across place of residence and age, respectively. None of the reviews and five primary studies examined differential effects across one or more PROGRESS-Plus dimension. Nine reviews and four primary studies discussed applicability or limitations of their findings by at least one PROGRESS-Plus factor. CONCLUSIONS Although we know that social isolation and loneliness are worse for the poorest and most socially disadvantaged older adults, the existing evidence base lacks details on how to tailor interventions for these socially disadvantaged older people.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamad Tarek Madani
- grid.28046.380000 0001 2182 2255Bruyère Research Institute, University of Ottawa, 85 Primrose Ave, Ottawa, ON K1R 6M1 Canada
| | - Leen Madani
- grid.28046.380000 0001 2182 2255Bruyère Research Institute, University of Ottawa, 85 Primrose Ave, Ottawa, ON K1R 6M1 Canada
| | - Elizabeth Tanjong Ghogomu
- grid.28046.380000 0001 2182 2255Bruyère Research Institute, University of Ottawa, 85 Primrose Ave, Ottawa, ON K1R 6M1 Canada
| | - Simone Dahrouge
- grid.28046.380000 0001 2182 2255Bruyère Research Institute, University of Ottawa, 85 Primrose Ave, Ottawa, ON K1R 6M1 Canada
| | - Paul C. Hébert
- grid.28046.380000 0001 2182 2255Bruyère Research Institute, University of Ottawa, 85 Primrose Ave, Ottawa, ON K1R 6M1 Canada
| | - Clara Juando-Prats
- grid.415502.7Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St Michael’s Hospital, Unity Health Toronto, Toronto, ON Canada
| | - Kate Mulligan
- grid.17063.330000 0001 2157 2938Social and Behavioural Health Sciences Division, Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON Canada
| | - Vivian Welch
- grid.28046.380000 0001 2182 2255Bruyère Research Institute, University of Ottawa, 85 Primrose Ave, Ottawa, ON K1R 6M1 Canada
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De Luca V, Femminella GD, Patalano R, Formosa V, Lorusso G, Rivetta C, Di Lullo F, Mercurio L, Rea T, Salvatore E, Korkmaz Yaylagul N, Apostolo J, Silva RC, Dantas C, van Staalduinen WH, Liotta G, Iaccarino G, Triassi M, Illario M. Assessment Tools of Biopsychosocial Frailty Dimensions in Community-Dwelling Older Adults: A Narrative Review. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:16050. [PMID: 36498125 PMCID: PMC9739796 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192316050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2022] [Revised: 11/21/2022] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Frailty is a complex interplay between several factors, including physiological changes in ageing, multimorbidities, malnutrition, living environment, genetics, and lifestyle. Early screening for frailty risk factors in community-dwelling older people allows for preventive interventions on the clinical and social determinants of frailty, which allows adverse events to be avoided. By conducting a narrative review of the literature employing the International Narrative Systematic Assessment tool, the authors aimed to develop an updated framework for the main measurement tools to assess frailty risks in older adults, paying attention to use in the community and primary care settings. This search focused on the biopsychosocial domains of frailty that are covered in the SUNFRAIL tool. The study selected 178 reviews (polypharmacy: 20; nutrition: 13; physical activity: 74; medical visits: 0; falls: 39; cognitive decline: 12; loneliness: 15; social support: 5; economic constraints: 0) published between January 2010 and December 2021. Within the selected reviews, 123 assessment tools were identified (polypharmacy: 15; nutrition: 15; physical activity: 25; medical visits: 0; falls: 26; cognitive decline: 18; loneliness: 9; social support: 15; economic constraints: 0). The narrative review allowed us to evaluate assessment tools of frailty domains to be adopted for multidimensional health promotion and prevention interventions in community and primary care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincenzo De Luca
- Dipartimento di Sanità Pubblica, Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II, 80131 Napoli, Italy
| | - Grazia Daniela Femminella
- Dipartimento di Scienze Mediche Traslazionali, Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II, 80131 Napoli, Italy
| | - Roberta Patalano
- Dipartimento di Medicina Clinica e Chirurgia, Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II, 80131 Napoli, Italy
| | - Valeria Formosa
- Specializzazione in Igiene e Medicina Preventiva, Università degli Studi di Roma Tor Vergata, 00133 Roma, Italy
| | - Grazia Lorusso
- Specializzazione in Igiene e Medicina Preventiva, Università degli Studi di Roma Tor Vergata, 00133 Roma, Italy
| | - Cristiano Rivetta
- Specializzazione in Igiene e Medicina Preventiva, Università degli Studi di Roma Tor Vergata, 00133 Roma, Italy
| | - Federica Di Lullo
- Specializzazione in Igiene e Medicina Preventiva, Università degli Studi di Roma Tor Vergata, 00133 Roma, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Mercurio
- Dipartimento di Sanità Pubblica, Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II, 80131 Napoli, Italy
| | - Teresa Rea
- Dipartimento di Sanità Pubblica, Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II, 80131 Napoli, Italy
| | - Elena Salvatore
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche Avanzate, Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II, 80131 Napoli, Italy
| | | | - Joao Apostolo
- Health Sciences Research Unit: Nursing (UICISA:E), Nursing School of Coimbra (ESEnfC), Avenida Bissaya Barreto, 3004-011 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Rosa Carla Silva
- Health Sciences Research Unit: Nursing (UICISA:E), Nursing School of Coimbra (ESEnfC), Avenida Bissaya Barreto, 3004-011 Coimbra, Portugal
| | | | | | - Giuseppe Liotta
- Dipartimento di Biomedicina e Prevenzione, Università degli Studi di Roma Tor Vergata, 00133 Roma, Italy
| | - Guido Iaccarino
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche Avanzate, Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II, 80131 Napoli, Italy
| | - Maria Triassi
- Dipartimento di Sanità Pubblica, Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II, 80131 Napoli, Italy
| | - Maddalena Illario
- Dipartimento di Sanità Pubblica, Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II, 80131 Napoli, Italy
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Lee S. Loneliness, Volunteering, and Quality of Life in European Older Adults. ACTIVITIES, ADAPTATION & AGING 2022. [DOI: 10.1080/01924788.2022.2148408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Sunwoo Lee
- The Faculty of Physical Culture, Palacký University Olomouc, Třída Míru 117, 771 11, Olomouc, Czech Republic
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Multimorbidity and depressive symptoms in older adults and the role of social support: Evidence using Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging (CLSA) data. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0276279. [DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0276279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2022] [Accepted: 10/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background
The rising prevalence of multimorbidity poses challenges to health systems globally. The objectives of this study were to investigate: 1) the association between multimorbidity and depressive symptoms; and 2) whether social support plays a protective role in this association.
Methods
A prospective population-based cohort study was conducted to analyze baseline and 3-year follow-up data of 16,729 community dwelling participants aged 65 and above in the Canadian Longitudinal Study of Aging (CLSA). Multimorbidity was defined as having three or more chronic conditions. The 10-item Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression scale (CESD-10) was used to measure depressive symptoms. The 19-item Medical Outcomes Study (MOS) Social Support Survey was employed to assess perceived social support. Multivariate logistic regression models were used to examine the association between multimorbidity, social support and depressive symptoms.
Results
Multimorbidity was very common among participants with a prevalence of 70.6%. Fifteen percent of participants had depressive symptoms at baseline. Multimorbidity was associated with increased odds of having depressive symptoms at 3-year follow-up (adjusted odds ratio, aOR = 1.51, 95% CI 1.33, 1.71), and developing depressive symptoms by follow-up among those with no depressive symptoms at baseline (aOR = 1.65, 95% CI 1.42, 1.92). Social support was consistently associated with decreased odds of depressive symptoms, regardless of level of multimorbidity.
Conclusion
Multimorbidity was positively associated with depressive symptoms over time, but social support served as a protective factor. As a modifiable, protective factor, emphasis should be placed in clinical practice to assess social support and refer patients to appropriate services, such as support groups. Similarly, health policy should focus on ensuring that older adults have access to social support opportunities as a way to promote mental health among older adults. Community organizations that offer social activities or support groups play a key role in this respect and should be adequately supported (e.g., with funding).
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Döring N, Conde M, Brandenburg K, Broll W, Gross HM, Werner S, Raake A. Can Communication Technologies Reduce Loneliness and Social Isolation in Older People? A Scoping Review of Reviews. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph191811310. [PMID: 36141581 PMCID: PMC9517063 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph191811310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2022] [Revised: 08/31/2022] [Accepted: 09/03/2022] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicola Döring
- Media Psychology and Media Design Group, Technische Universität Ilmenau, 98693 Ilmenau, Germany
- Correspondence:
| | - 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
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Welch V, Ghogomu ET, Barbeau VI, Boulton E, Boutin S, Haitas N, Kneale D, Salzwedel DM, Simard R, Herbert P, Mikton C. PROTOCOL: Digital interventions to reduce social isolation and loneliness in older adults: An evidence and gap map. CAMPBELL SYSTEMATIC REVIEWS 2022; 18:e1260. [PMID: 36909878 PMCID: PMC9233308 DOI: 10.1002/cl2.1260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
This is the protocol for a Campbell systematic review. The objectives are as follows: the aim is to map available evidence on the effects of digital interventions to mitigate social isolation and/or loneliness in older adults in all settings except hospital settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vivian Welch
- Methods CentreBruyere Research InstituteOttawaCanada
| | | | | | - Elisabeth Boulton
- Division of Nursing, Midwifery and Social Work, School of Health SciencesUniversity of ManchesterManchesterUK
| | | | | | - Dylan Kneale
- Social Science Research Unit, EPPI‐Centre, UCL Institute of EducationUniversity College LondonLondonUK
| | - Douglas M. Salzwedel
- Department of Anesthesiology, Pharmacology and TherapeuticsUniversity of British ColumbiaVancouverCanada
| | | | - Paul Herbert
- Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de MontréalMontrealCanada
| | - Christopher Mikton
- Department of Social Determinants of HealthWorld Health OrganizationGenevaSwitzerland
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Marsillas S, Schoenmakers E. Older adults' mentioned practices for coping with loneliness. Eur J Ageing 2022; 19:753-762. [PMID: 36052187 PMCID: PMC9424410 DOI: 10.1007/s10433-021-00658-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
In recent years, loneliness has been receiving increasing attention, yet there remains a lot to learn about how older adults cope with loneliness. In this study, the practices older adults consider for coping with loneliness and the relationship between various types of coping practices, loneliness, and personal resources are examined. Several hypotheses about the relationship between social and emotional loneliness, personal resources, and mentioning coping practices are formulated. Data was collected in Gipuzkoa (Basque Country, Spain) through structured interviews using a telephone survey among a representative sample of older adults aged 55 and over (N = 894). Results show that lonely and non-lonely respondents alike consider a few coping practices and prefer active and individual coping practices over social and passive ones for coping with loneliness. Experiencing emotional loneliness is related to mentioning more individual and active coping practices. Social coping practices were considered less often by respondents who experienced better self-rated health and more often by respondents with vision loss, a higher educational level and higher quality of life. In conclusion, while older adults differ in coping efforts they mention, these differences are only explained to a small extent by their experience of loneliness and available resources. For future research and practice development, a deeper understanding of the process of coping with loneliness is needed.
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Cené CW, Beckie TM, Sims M, Suglia SF, Aggarwal B, Moise N, Jiménez MC, Gaye B, McCullough LD. Effects of Objective and Perceived Social Isolation on Cardiovascular and Brain Health: A Scientific Statement From the American Heart Association. J Am Heart Assoc 2022; 11:e026493. [PMID: 35924775 PMCID: PMC9496293 DOI: 10.1161/jaha.122.026493] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Background Social isolation, the relative absence of or infrequency of contact with different types of social relationships, and loneliness (perceived isolation) are associated with adverse health outcomes. Objective To review observational and intervention research that examines the impact of social isolation and loneliness on cardiovascular and brain health and discuss proposed mechanisms for observed associations. Methods We conducted a systematic scoping review of available research. We searched 4 databases, PubMed, PsycInfo, Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health, and Scopus. Findings Evidence is most consistent for a direct association between social isolation, loneliness, and coronary heart disease and stroke mortality. However, data on the association between social isolation and loneliness with heart failure, dementia, and cognitive impairment are sparse and less robust. Few studies have empirically tested mediating pathways between social isolation, loneliness, and cardiovascular and brain health outcomes using appropriate methods for explanatory analyses. Notably, the effect estimates are small, and there may be unmeasured confounders of the associations. Research in groups that may be at higher risk or more vulnerable to the effects of social isolation is limited. We did not find any intervention studies that sought to reduce the adverse impact of social isolation or loneliness on cardiovascular or brain health outcomes. Conclusions Social isolation and loneliness are common and appear to be independent risk factors for worse cardiovascular and brain health; however, consistency of the associations varies by outcome. There is a need to develop, implement, and test interventions to improve cardiovascular and brain health for individuals who are socially isolated or lonely.
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Fu Z, Yan M, Meng C. The effectiveness of remote delivered intervention for loneliness reduction in older adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Front Psychol 2022; 13:935544. [PMID: 35967719 PMCID: PMC9372715 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.935544] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2022] [Accepted: 07/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BackgroundRemotely delivered intervention is widely applied to loneliness treatment in older adults, but the effect is controversial. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of remotely delivered intervention on loneliness using a systematic review and meta-analysis.MethodsThe PubMed, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, EMBASE, CINAHL (EBSCO), PsycINFO (EBSCO) databases were searched for studies, the search ended on 7 July 2021. Thirteen randomized controlled trials of remotely delivered intervention compared with usual care, brief contact, or no intervention for loneliness were included. A random-effects model measured estimation of loneliness reduction. Furthermore, standardized mean differences (SMDs), 95% confidence intervals (CIs), publication bias, and heterogeneity were calculated. Subgroup analysis was used to explore the factors that might affect the treatment effects.ResultsThe evidence of remotely delivered intervention on loneliness reduction was certain (SMD = −0.41 [95% CI, −0.70 to −0.13]). Media subgroup analysis supported the effectiveness of intervention delivered by video call (SMD = −0.54 [95% CI, −0.83 to −0.25]); treatment strategy subgroup analysis found evidence to support the effectiveness of increasing social support and maladaptive social cognition treatment strategy (SMD = −0.47 [95% CI, −0.77 to −0.18] and SMD = −1.04 [95% CI, −1.98 to −0.10], respectively); participants subgroup analysis shown the effectiveness of intervention for older adults living in LTC and social isolation (SMD = −1.40 [95% CI, −2.43 to −0.36] and SMD = −0.55 [95% CI, −0.74 to −0.36], respectively); group format subgroup analysis testified the effectiveness of intervention carried out in individual format (SMD = −0.39 [95% CI, −0.71 to −0.07]); measurement time points subgroup analysis found the positive effect of intervention at 3 months and 3 to 6 months stage (SMD = −0.33 [95% CI, −0.52 to −0.14] and SMD = −0.32 [95% CI, −0.57 to −0.07], respectively). Significant publication bias was detected (p < 0.05), and the heterogeneity of the studies was substantial.ConclusionThis systematic review and meta-analysis demonstrate that remotely delivered intervention can reduce loneliness in older adults, and it appears to be affected by media type, treatment strategy, participants characteristics, group format, and measurement time points.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhengke Fu
- Department of Computational Communication, School of Media and Law, Ningbo Tech University, Ningbo, China
- *Correspondence: Zhengke Fu,
| | - Mengsi Yan
- Department of Japanese Language Study, School of Humanity, Ningbo University of Finance and Economics, Ningbo, China
| | - Chao Meng
- Department of Computational Communication, School of Media and Law, Ningbo Tech University, Ningbo, China
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Chen JTH, Wuthrich VM, Rapee RM, Draper B, Brodaty H, Cutler H, Low LF, Georgiou A, Johnco C, Jones M, Meuldijk D, Partington A. Improving mental health and social participation outcomes in older adults with depression and anxiety: Study protocol for a randomised controlled trial. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0269981. [PMID: 35759476 PMCID: PMC9236237 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0269981] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2021] [Accepted: 05/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Increasing both the frequency and quality of social interactions within treatments for anxiety and depressive disorders in older adults may improve their mental health outcomes and quality of life. This study aims to evaluate the clinical efficacy and cost utility of an enhanced cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) plus social participation program in a sample of older adults with depression and/or anxiety. Methods A total of 172 community-dwelling adults aged 65 years or older with an anxiety and/or depressive disorder will be randomly allocated to either an enhanced CBT plus social participation program (n = 86) or standard CBT (n = 86). Both treatments will be delivered during 12 weekly individual sessions utilising structured manuals and workbooks. Participants will be assessed at pre-treatment, post-treatment, and 12-month follow-up. The primary outcome evaluates mean change in clinician-rated diagnostic severity of anxiety and depressive disorders from baseline to post-treatment (primary endpoint) based on a semi-structured diagnostic interview. Secondary outcomes evaluate changes in symptomatology on self-report anxiety and depression measures, as well as changes in social/community participation, social network, and perceived social support, loneliness, quality of life, and use of health services. Economic benefits will be evaluated using a cost-utility analysis to derive the incremental cost utility ratios for the enhanced CBT program. Discussion Outcomes from this study will provide support for the establishment of improved psychosocial treatment for older adults with anxiety and/or depression. Study outcomes will also provide health systems with a clear means to reduce the impact of poor emotional health in older age and its associated economic burden. In addition to the empirical validation of a novel treatment, the current study will contribute to the current understanding of the role of social participation in older adult wellbeing. Trial registration Prospectively registered on the Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ID: ACTRN12619000242123; registered 19th February 2019) and the ISRCTN registry (ID: ISRCTN78951376; registered 10th July 2019).
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessamine Tsan-Hsiang Chen
- Centre for Emotional Health, School of Psychological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Centre for Ageing, Cognition and Wellbeing, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- * E-mail:
| | - Viviana M. Wuthrich
- Centre for Emotional Health, School of Psychological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Centre for Ageing, Cognition and Wellbeing, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Ronald M. Rapee
- Centre for Emotional Health, School of Psychological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Centre for Ageing, Cognition and Wellbeing, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Brian Draper
- Older Persons’ Mental Health Services, Prince of Wales Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Centre of Healthy Brain Ageing, School of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Henry Brodaty
- Older Persons’ Mental Health Services, Prince of Wales Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Centre of Healthy Brain Ageing, School of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Henry Cutler
- Macquarie Centre for the Health Economy, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Lee-Fay Low
- Ageing, Work and Health Research Unit, Faculty of Health Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Andrew Georgiou
- Centre for Health Systems and Safety Research, Australian Institute of Health Innovation, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Carly Johnco
- Centre for Emotional Health, School of Psychological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Centre for Ageing, Cognition and Wellbeing, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Michael Jones
- Centre for Emotional Health, School of Psychological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Denise Meuldijk
- Centre for Emotional Health, School of Psychological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Centre for Ageing, Cognition and Wellbeing, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Black Dog Institute, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Andrew Partington
- Macquarie Centre for the Health Economy, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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Balki E, Hayes N, Holland C. Effectiveness of Technology Interventions in Addressing Social Isolation, Connectedness, and Loneliness in Older Adults: A Systematic Umbrella Review (Preprint). JMIR Aging 2022; 5:e40125. [DOI: 10.2196/40125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2022] [Revised: 07/26/2022] [Accepted: 09/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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Gadbois EA, Jimenez F, Brazier JF, Davoodi NM, Nunn AS, Mills WL, Dosa D, Thomas KS. Findings from Talking Tech: A Technology Training Pilot Intervention to Reduce Loneliness and Social Isolation among Homebound Older Adults. Innov Aging 2022; 6:igac040. [PMID: 35855113 PMCID: PMC9291367 DOI: 10.1093/geroni/igac040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and Objectives Social isolation and loneliness are common among older adults and associated with negative health outcomes including cognitive decline, depression, suicide ideation, and mortality. Information and communication technology interventions are often used to combat loneliness and social isolation; however, homebound older adults face barriers to access. This study reports findings from a novel pilot intervention, called Talking Tech, designed to reduce loneliness and social isolation in homebound older adults by providing one-on-one, in-home technology training, a tablet, and the internet, to promote digital literacy and participation in a virtual senior center. Research Design and Methods Twenty-one homebound older adults participated in this 14-week, volunteer-delivered program. We used qualitative interviews with participants, volunteers, and program staff, weekly progress reports from volunteers, and quantitative pre- and postintervention surveys with participants to examine experiences and to evaluate the impact of the intervention on loneliness and social isolation. Qualitative data were analyzed using content analysis and pre- and postintervention survey data were compared. Results Participants reported increased technological literacy and use, increased access to online activities, and improved facilitation of social connections to existing and new networks. Additionally, during interviews, many participants reported that participating in Talking Tech alleviated their loneliness. While not statistically significant, our quantitative analysis revealed trends toward decreased participant feelings of loneliness and increased technology use. Additionally, intervention adoption and retention were high, with only one participant withdrawing from the intervention. Discussion and Implications This evaluation of the novel Talking Tech pilot intervention provides critical insights into strategies to reduce loneliness and isolation for older adults, with implications for future research, policy, and practice. Findings demonstrate that individualized technology training may be an acceptable way to improve well-being for homebound older adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily A Gadbois
- Health Services, Policy & Practice, Brown University School of Public Health
| | | | - Joan F Brazier
- Health Services, Policy & Practice, Brown University School of Public Health
| | - Natalie M Davoodi
- Department of Emergency Medicine , The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University
| | - Amy S Nunn
- Behavioral and Social Sciences , Brown University School of Public Health
- Division of Infectious Diseases at Brown University Medical School
| | - Whitney L Mills
- Health Services, Policy & Practice, Brown University School of Public Health
- Center for Innovation in Long-Term Services & Supports , Providence VA Medical Center
| | - David Dosa
- Health Services, Policy & Practice, Brown University School of Public Health
- Department of Primary Care , Providence VA Medical Center
| | - Kali S Thomas
- Health Services, Policy & Practice, Brown University School of Public Health
- Center for Innovation in Long-Term Services & Supports , Providence VA Medical Center
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Davidson EJ, Taylor CT, Ayers CR, Quach NE, Tu XM, Lee EE. The Relationship Between Loneliness and Positive Affect in Older Adults. Am J Geriatr Psychiatry 2022; 30:678-685. [PMID: 34887211 PMCID: PMC9095765 DOI: 10.1016/j.jagp.2021.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2021] [Revised: 11/02/2021] [Accepted: 11/03/2021] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To establish whether positive affect (PA) is uniquely associated with loneliness and other social functioning variables beyond negative affect (NA) among older adults. METHODS Four hundred and twenty-eight participants (aged 60+ years old, 82% White, and 48% female) were recruited using random digit-dialing and completed scales for loneliness (UCLA Loneliness Scale), companionship (PROMIS scale), satisfaction with discretionary social activities (PROMIS scale), PA (Center for Epidemiologic Studies [CES] Happiness Scale), and NA (CES-Depression scale and Brief Symptom Inventory-Anxiety Subscale). RESULTS Multiple linear regression models found PA to be a significant predictor of lower loneliness where the effect of PA on loneliness is dependent on the level of NA; a large effect size at the mean level of NA, which becomes attenuated when NA increases. Although the direction of effect of PA on loneliness will change for NA > 5.10, which is 5 standard deviations away from 0, based on the model estimates, the percent of subjects with this large NA levels is practically 0. Thus, higher PA is associated with lower loneliness, however this effect is attenuated for larger NA. Similarly, multiple linear regression models found that companionship was associated with PA and NA where the effect of PA is dependent on the level of NA; a medium effect size at the mean level of NA, which becomes attenuated when NA increases. As in the case of loneliness, the direction of effect of PA on companionship will change for NA > 3.52, which is 3.5 standard deviation away from 0, based on the model estimates, but the percent of subjects with this large NA levels is practically 0. Thus, higher PA is associated with increased companionship, aand this effect is attenuated with greater NA. Satisfaction with social activities was associated with PA only (medium effect size). CONCLUSION Results suggest PA appears to be uniquely associated with social functioning among older adults. These findings support the potential for treatments that target PA to decrease loneliness among older adults, or vice versa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eliza J. Davidson
- Research Service, VA San Diego Healthcare System,San Diego State University/ University of California, San Diego Joint Doctoral Program in Clinical Psychology
| | - Charles T. Taylor
- San Diego State University/ University of California, San Diego Joint Doctoral Program in Clinical Psychology,Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego School of Medicine
| | - Catherine R. Ayers
- Mental Healthcare Line, VA San Diego Healthcare System,Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego School of Medicine
| | - Natalie E. Quach
- Division of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Herbert Wertheim School of Public Health and Human Longevity Science, University of California, San Diego
| | - Xin M. Tu
- Division of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Herbert Wertheim School of Public Health and Human Longevity Science, University of California, San Diego
| | - Ellen E. Lee
- Mental Healthcare Line, VA San Diego Healthcare System,Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego School of Medicine,Desert-Pacific Mental Illness Research Education and Clinical Center, Veterans Affairs San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, CA
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Zagic D, Wuthrich VM, Rapee RM, Wolters N. Interventions to improve social connections: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Soc Psychiatry Psychiatr Epidemiol 2022; 57:885-906. [PMID: 34796368 DOI: 10.1007/s00127-021-02191-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2021] [Accepted: 10/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The importance of both frequent and high-quality social connections is widely recognised. Previous reviews of interventions for promoting social connections found mixed results due to the inclusion of uncontrolled studies and merging of objective and subjective dimensions of social connections. This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of interventions designed to promote 'objective social contact' and the 'quality of social connections'; and compare the effectiveness of interventions from different theoretical orientations on these social dimensions through a systematic review and meta-analysis of controlled trials. METHODS A systematic search of electronic databases Medline, Embase, PsycINFO and PubMed was conducted to identify randomised controlled trials of interventions for social isolation, loneliness, social participation and/or social connectedness in adults. Data were analysed using Stata V.16.0. RESULTS Fifty-eight studies met inclusion criteria (mean age = 62 years). Overall, interventions led to significant improvements in objective social contact (Hedges' g = 0.43) and perceived quality of social connections (Hedges' g = - 0.33). Increasing access to other people was the most effective strategy for promoting objective social contact (Hedges' g = 0.67). Providing adults with skills to manage maladaptive attributional biases, fear-related avoidance of social situations, and barriers to social contact, was the most effective strategy for addressing deficits in perceived quality of social connections (Hedges' g = - 0.53). CONCLUSION In summary, different interventions had differential effects on the frequency and quality of social relationships and associated emotional distress. Psychological interventions hold the most promise for increasing meaningful social connections and reducing distress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dino Zagic
- Department of Psychology, Centre for Emotional Health, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia. .,Department of Psychology, Centre for Ageing, Cognition and Wellbeing, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia.
| | - Viviana M Wuthrich
- Department of Psychology, Centre for Emotional Health, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia.,Department of Psychology, Centre for Ageing, Cognition and Wellbeing, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia
| | - Ronald M Rapee
- Department of Psychology, Centre for Emotional Health, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia
| | - Nine Wolters
- Department of Psychology, Centre for Emotional Health, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia.,Faculty of Psychology, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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Velloze IG, Jester DJ, Jeste DV, Mausbach BT. Interventions to reduce loneliness in caregivers: An integrative review of the literature. Psychiatry Res 2022; 311:114508. [PMID: 35334424 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2022.114508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2021] [Revised: 03/09/2022] [Accepted: 03/10/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Older adults are at an increased risk of loneliness. Many also serve as informal caregivers for persons with dementia and other disabling conditions, further predisposing them to loneliness. The primary objective was to assess current loneliness interventions for caregivers to inform development of effective therapies to improve their quality of life. An integrative review of the literature was conducted using five electronic databases and 12 studies were included for further analysis. Data were extracted regarding the type of intervention implemented, caregiver characteristics, and intervention effects. Five main intervention types emerged: mindful meditation, computer applications, music therapy, peer support, and community programs. Most care recipients had dementia, and most caregivers were spouses. Peer support was the most frequently utilized intervention, and common intervention strategies included providing emotional support, expanding one's social network, and supplying psychoeducational materials. Most interventions had methodological limitations and demonstrated small effect sizes. Hence, there remains a continued need for well-designed interventions that target loneliness in informal caregiver. Caregivers may benefit from interventions that expand their social network to improve their emotional regulation and understanding of their role. Further research on the role of group versus individual therapy is necessary to strengthen interventions and broaden their application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabelle G Velloze
- Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, United States of America
| | - Dylan J Jester
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, United States of America; Sam and Rose Stein Institute for Research on Aging, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, United States of America
| | - Dilip V Jeste
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, United States of America; Sam and Rose Stein Institute for Research on Aging, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, United States of America; Department of Neurosciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, United States of America
| | - Brent T Mausbach
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, United States of America.
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Elmersjö M, Hansen E, Victor ML. Is it normal to be depressed in old age? Needs assessors' conceptions of older people's mental illness. HEALTH & SOCIAL CARE IN THE COMMUNITY 2022; 30:1182-1188. [PMID: 33955091 DOI: 10.1111/hsc.13390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2020] [Revised: 02/09/2021] [Accepted: 03/18/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The article contributes to the research on older people's mental illness through its focus on how needs assessors conceive mental illness amongst older people and their strategies for dealing with mental illness within existing organisational frameworks. The contribution is based on an empirical study of the needs assessment in eldercare in Sweden. The article aims to explore needs assessors' conceptions of mental illness amongst older people in relation to intertwining processes of normalisation and organisational and legal constraints. The normalisation principle (NP) proposes that individuals with a disability should have access to the same living conditions as 'others'. The NP can be described as a strategy that highlights equal rights for individuals regardless of their life situation. The main findings are that mental illness is defined by needs assessors on a spectrum of diagnoses from schizophrenia and borderline personality disorder to anxiety and depression. The successful normalisation of mental illness is linked to structural context, attitudes to older people's mental illnesses and ageing, the practise established on a unit and whether needs assessors reproduce ageism or challenge it through the NP by attempting to secure the rights of older people.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Emelie Hansen
- Department of Social Sciences, Södertörn University, Huddinge, Sweden
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW There is increasing recognition of social health being protective against disease, including age-related cognitive decline and dementia. Many concepts around social health, reserve and connectedness are imprecise and without agreed definitions. The mechanisms by which social health is protective are not well understood. RECENT FINDINGS Several observational studies suggest that social participation and connectedness are protective against cognitive decline whereas loneliness is a risk factor for dementia. The possible mechanisms include effects on inflammatory process and immune function, reduced vascular disease risk, improved health behaviours, lower risk of depression, and increased cognitive reserve through cognitive stimulation and physical activity. Social networks have been shown to modify the relationship between Alzheimer's disease and cognitive impairment. The relationship of social networks is, however, reciprocal, with dementia leading to social loss, which in turn worsens cognitive decline. Social reserve is conceptualized as both brain processes underlying the ability and predisposition to form meaningful social ties, and their instantiation as an environmental resource in high-quality social networks. SUMMARY Consistent definitions of social health-related terms will lead to better understanding of their determinants so that tailored interventions can be developed to increase social reserve and improve social health of an individual.
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How arts engagement supported social connectedness during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic in the UK: findings from the HEartS Survey. Public Health 2022; 207:1-6. [PMID: 35452933 PMCID: PMC8920782 DOI: 10.1016/j.puhe.2022.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2021] [Revised: 03/02/2022] [Accepted: 03/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Objectives This study investigated how adults in the United Kingdom perceived their arts and cultural engagement to facilitate social connectedness over two phases in the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic. Study design The study used the HEartS Survey, a newly designed online survey tool to capture arts engagement in the United Kingdom and its associations with social and mental well-being, over two phases in 2020: March to May (Phase 1) and October (Phase 2). Methods Qualitative data were provided at both phases by 581 respondents, who identified which arts and cultural activity they felt most connected them to others and how during the last month. Results Thematic analysis revealed that, at both phases, arts and cultural engagement was perceived to facilitate social connectedness through four pathways that were also identified prepandemic: social opportunities, sharing, feelings of commonality and belonging and collective understanding. The subthemes shed light on specific ways that respondents used the arts during the pandemic to connect with others, including using the arts: as a catalyst for conversations, to maintain, reinstate or strengthen relationships during social distancing and to facilitate social interactions (Theme 1); to bring people together through shared experiences and sharing of art (Theme 2); to elicit feelings of direct and indirect proximity to others, to connect people with common interests, to feel a sense of belonging to something and to feel part of a collective ‘COVID-19 experience’ or to feel collectively distracted from the pandemic (Theme 3); and to learn from and about other people and to relate to others (Theme 4). The activity most frequently cited as connecting was watching a film or drama, followed by listening to recorded music. Conclusions Engagement in arts and cultural activities supported feelings of social connection among adults in the United Kingdom over two phases in the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic, highlighting the importance of access to the arts and culture to support social connectedness.
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Hwang Y, Massimo L, Aryal S, Hodgson NA. The relationship between social isolation and anxiety in people with cognitive impairment in the United States. Int J Geriatr Psychiatry 2022; 37. [PMID: 34997619 DOI: 10.1002/gps.5679] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2021] [Accepted: 01/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Social isolation among older adults with cognitive impairment is understudied. The purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between social isolation and anxiety in people with cognitive impairment in the United States. METHODS/DESIGN Secondary data analyses were conducted using the National Social Life, Health, and Aging Project (NSHAP) Wave 2 (2010-2011) dataset which includes a nationally representative sample of American older adults living at home. A total of 1343 people who had probable cognitive impairment measured by a Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) score of 22 or less were selected. Anxiety was measured using the anxiety measure of Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS-A) and social isolation was measured using Perceived Social Isolation Scale. A weighted multivariable linear regression analysis and weighted F tests were used to examine the relationship between social isolation and anxiety. RESULTS We observed that greater social isolation was related to increased anxiety in people with cognitive impairment (coefficients = 0.7242, t = 2.51, p = 0.015), adjusting for severity of cognitive impairment, race, pain, depression, activities of daily living, and instrumental activities of daily living. Weighted F tests showed that persons with clinically significant anxiety (HADS-A ≥ 8) had higher levels of loneliness, including feeling a lack of companionship, feeling left out, and greater social isolation. CONCLUSIONS The results of our study suggest that people with cognitive impairment can feel social isolation and it may contribute to their anxiety. Health care professionals, family, and friends of people with cognitive impairment should pay greater attention to social isolation of their loved ones.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yeji Hwang
- Department of Biobehavioral Health Sciences, University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Lauren Massimo
- Department of Biobehavioral Health Sciences, University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Subhash Aryal
- Department of Biobehavioral Health Sciences, University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Nancy A Hodgson
- Department of Biobehavioral Health Sciences, University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
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50
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Wolfers MEG, Stam BE, Machielse A. Correlates of emotional and social loneliness among community dwelling older adults in Rotterdam, the Netherlands. Aging Ment Health 2022; 26:355-367. [PMID: 33502244 DOI: 10.1080/13607863.2021.1875191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Loneliness is seen as an important problem, contributing to serious health problems. As a baseline measurement for the evaluation of a community project aimed at reducing loneliness in Rotterdam, loneliness was measured, as well as potential correlates. This article describes models of social and emotional loneliness among older adults. METHODS This study was conducted among 3,821 randomly selected community dwelling citizens of 65 years and older. Loneliness was measured by using the Jong-Gierveld loneliness questionnaire/scale. As potential correlates demographic, health and psychological and social variables were included. Data were subjected to multiple hierarchically regression analysis. RESULTS Emotional loneliness was reported by 60% and social loneliness by 47% of the sample. Women were more emotionally lonely than men , while men reported more social loneliness than women. Emotional social support and quality of life were strongest in predicting emotional loneliness and social capital in the neighbourhood, companionship and instrumental support were strongest predictors for social loneliness. Demographic variables predicted variability in emotional loneliness. CONCLUSIONS The strength of the correlates differed between the two dimensions of loneliness. In the design of interventions to prevent and reduce loneliness among older adults, strategies should be developed aimed at the specific dimensions of loneliness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mireille E G Wolfers
- Department Research and Business Intelligence, Municipality of Rotterdam, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Bianca E Stam
- Department Research and Business Intelligence, Municipality of Rotterdam, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Anja Machielse
- University for Humanistic Studies, Utrecht, the Netherlands
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