Psychological interventions for loneliness and social isolation among older adults during medical pandemics: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Author:

Li Muzi12,Rao Wenwang123,Su Yingying12,Sul Youngjoo4,Caron Gabriel2,D’Arcy Carl56,Fleury Marie-Josee12,Meng Xiangfei12

Affiliation:

1. McGill University Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, , Montreal, Quebec H3A1A1 , Canada

2. Douglas Research Centre , Montreal, Quebec H4H 1R3 , Canada

3. Shantou University Medical College Department of Preventive Medicine, , Shantou, Guangdong 515041 , China

4. McGill University Department of Anatomy & Cell Biology, , Montreal, Quebec H3A0G4 , Canada

5. University of Saskatchewan School of Public Health, , Saskatoon, Saskatchewan S7N5E5 , Canada

6. College of Medicine, University of Saskatchewan Department of Psychiatry, , Saskatoon, Saskatchewan S7N5E5 , Canada

Abstract

Abstract Objectives There is little research conducted to systematically synthesize the evidence on psychological interventions for social isolation and loneliness among older adults during medical pandemics. This systematic review aims to address this information gap and provides guidance for planning and implementing interventions to prevent and reduce loneliness and social isolation for older adults, especially during medical pandemics. Methods Four electronic databases (EMBASE, PsychoInfo, Medline and Web of Science) and grey literature from 1 January 2000 to 13 September 2022 were searched for eligible studies on loneliness and social isolation. Data extraction and methodological quality assessment on key study characteristics were conducted independently by two researchers. Both qualitative synthesis and meta-analysis were used. Results The initial search yielded 3,116 titles. Of the 215 full texts reviewed, 12 intervention articles targeting loneliness during the COVID-19 pandemic met the inclusion criteria. No studies were found concerning intervention with respect to social isolation. Overall, interventions targeting social skills and the elimination of negativities effectively alleviated the feelings of loneliness in the older population. However, they had only short-term effects. Conclusion This review systematically summarised the key characteristics and the effectiveness of existing interventions addressing loneliness in older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic. Future interventions should focus on social skills and eliminating negativities and be tailored to the needs and characteristics of older people. Repeated larger-scale randomized controlled trials and long-term effectiveness evaluations on this topic are warranted.

Publisher

Oxford University Press (OUP)

Subject

Geriatrics and Gerontology,Aging,General Medicine

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