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

Nicola Döring (), Melisa Conde, Karlheinz Brandenburg, Wolfgang Broll, Horst-Michael Gross, Stephan Werner and Alexander Raake
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Nicola Döring: Media Psychology and Media Design Group, Technische Universität Ilmenau, 98693 Ilmenau, Germany
Melisa Conde: Media Psychology and Media Design Group, Technische Universität Ilmenau, 98693 Ilmenau, Germany
Karlheinz Brandenburg: Electronic Media Technology Group, Technische Universität Ilmenau, 98693 Ilmenau, Germany
Wolfgang Broll: Virtual Worlds and Digital Games Group, Technische Universität Ilmenau, 98693 Ilmenau, Germany
Horst-Michael Gross: Neuroinformatics and Cognitive Robotics Lab, Technische Universität Ilmenau, 98693 Ilmenau, Germany
Stephan Werner: Electronic Media Technology Group, Technische Universität Ilmenau, 98693 Ilmenau, Germany
Alexander Raake: Audiovisual Technology Group, Technische Universität Ilmenau, 98693 Ilmenau, Germany

IJERPH, 2022, vol. 19, issue 18, 1-20

Abstract: Background: Loneliness and social isolation in older age are considered major public health concerns and research on technology-based solutions is growing rapidly. This scoping review of reviews aims to summarize the communication technologies (CTs) (review question RQ1), theoretical frameworks (RQ2), study designs (RQ3), and positive effects of technology use (RQ4) present in the research field. Methods: A comprehensive multi-disciplinary, multi-database literature search was conducted. Identified reviews were analyzed according to the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) framework. A total of N = 28 research reviews that cover 248 primary studies spanning 50 years were included. Results: The majority of the included reviews addressed general internet and computer use (82% each) (RQ1). Of the 28 reviews, only one (4%) worked with a theoretical framework (RQ2) and 26 (93%) covered primary studies with quantitative-experimental designs (RQ3). The positive effects of technology use were shown in 55% of the outcome measures for loneliness and 44% of the outcome measures for social isolation (RQ4). Conclusion: While research reviews show that CTs can reduce loneliness and social isolation in older people, causal evidence is limited and insights on innovative technologies such as augmented reality systems are scarce.

Keywords: older adults; senior citizens; social inclusion; social wellbeing; interventions; research reviews; technology-mediated communication (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (2)

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