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Cited by 1,038Health disparities and outcomesAging, Elder Care, and Social IssuesAging, Health, and Disability

Preventing social isolation and loneliness among older people: a systematic review of health promotion interventions

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CATTAN, MIMA, WHITE, MARTIN, BOND, JOHN, LEARMOUTH, ALISON·2005·Ageing and Society
DOI 10.1017/s0144686x04002594
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Abstract

Preventing and alleviating social isolation and loneliness among older people is an important area for policy and practice, but the effectiveness of many interventions has been questioned because of the lack of evidence. A systematic review was conducted to determine the effectiveness of health promotion interventions that target social isolation and loneliness among older people. Quantitative outcome studies between 1970 and 2002 in any language were included. Articles were identified by searching electronic databases, journals and abstracts, and contacting key informants. Information was extracted and synthesised using a standard form. Thirty studies were identified and categorised as ‘group’ (n=17); ‘one-to-one’ (n=10); ‘service provision’ (n=3); and ‘community development’ (n=1). Most were conducted in the USA and Canada, and their design, methods, quality and transferability varied considerably. Nine of the 10 effective interventions were group activities with an educational or support input. Six of the eight ineffective interventions provided one-to-one social support, advice and information, or health-needs assessment. The review suggests that educational and social activity group interventions that target specific groups can alleviate social isolation and loneliness among older people. The effectiveness of home visiting and befriending schemes remains unclear.

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  • One-to-one interventions for older people are insufficient; effective interventions often include group activities with an educational or support input.

    “according to a systematic review of health promotion interventions for socially isolated and lonely older people one-to-one interventions for older people are insufficient. The review found that nine of the ten effective intervention studies included were group activities with an educational or support input, whereas six of the eight ineffective intervention studies provided one-to-one social su”

    From Can support workers from AgeUK deliver an intervention to support older people with anxiety and depression? A qualitative evaluation (2019) · cites this paper as [31]

  • Three previous systematic reviews have synthesised evidence on the effectiveness of interventions targeting social isolation in older people.

    “Three previous systematic reviews [5,40,41] have synthesised the evidence of the effectiveness of interventions targeting social isolation in older people.”

    From Interventions targeting social isolation in older people: a systematic review (2011) · cites this paper as [5]

  • While interventions targeting social isolation include some of the beneficial characteristics identified in this and previous systematic reviews, none appear to include all of them.

    “While interventions targeting social isolation include some of the beneficial characteristics identified in this and previous systematic reviews [5,40], none appear to include all of them.”

    From Interventions targeting social isolation in older people: a systematic review (2011) · cites this paper as [5]

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Authors
CATTAN, M., WHITE, M., BOND, J., & LEARMOUTH, A.
Affiliations
  • Newcastle University (GB)
  • National Health Service (GB)
ORCID
WHITE, MARTIN
Venue
Ageing and Society
Publisher
Cambridge University Press (CUP)
Published
2005-01
Volume
25
Issue
1
Pages
41-67
ISSN
  • 0144-686X (ISSN-L)
  • 1469-1779
DOI
10.1017/s0144686x04002594
OpenAlex
W2154406753
Cited by
1,038
References
6
Citations by year
2026: 43 · 2025: 66 · 2024: 57 · 2023: 52 · 2022: 71 · 2021: 74 · 2020: 68 · 2019: 78 · 2018: 64 · 2017: 59 · 2016: 85 · 2015: 59 · 2014: 36 · 2013: 41 · 2012: 41
FWCI
17.62
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Licence
www.cambridge.org/core/terms (unspecified, 9 d)
Locations
  • Ageing and Society (publishedVersion)
  • Newcastle University ePrints (Newcastle Univesity)
Topics
  • Social Sciences › Health › Health disparities and outcomes
  • Health Sciences › Health Professions › General Health Professions › Aging, Elder Care, and Social Issues
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health › Aging, Health, and Disability
Keywords
social isolation, loneliness, older adults, health promotion interventions, group activities, social support, educational intervention, home visiting, community development, intervention effectiveness

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