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Cited by 153Aging and Gerontology ResearchAging, Health, and DisabilityAging, Elder Care, and Social Issues

A cognitive intervention to enhance institutionalized older adults’ social support networks and decrease loneliness

Winningham, R. G., Pike, N. L.·2007·Aging & Mental Health
DOI 10.1080/13607860701366228
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Abstract

Nearly all older adults experience social losses, which can disrupt their social support networks and impair their quality of life. Events such as retirement, an inability to drive, death of a spouse and/or close life-long friends, or moving to an elder care facility may negatively affect the quality of older adults' social support networks. Low levels of perceived social support are associated with increased depression, impaired immune functioning and reduced life expectancy. Moreover, social interactions can be cognitively stimulating and may help older adults preserve their cognitive abilities. In the present study, institutionalized older adults were exposed to either a cognitive enhancement programme designed to enhance social networks or a control group. Measures of perceived social support and loneliness were administered before and after a 3-month, group-based intervention. There was a significant interaction between group and time. Those who did not participate in the intervention experienced a decrease in perceived social support and an increase in perceived loneliness. Participants in the intervention group stayed the same on the above measures. Helping older adults increase or maintain the quality of their social networks may lead to enhanced cognitive functioning, decreased depression and improved quality of life. Recommendations to help assisted living facilities, nursing homes, retirement communities and senior centres develop social and cognitive interventions are provided.

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Crossref · 10.1080/13607860701366228

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32 of 32 references verified0 citation errors · 0 not checkable

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  • In the cognitive behavioural therapy study for nursing home residents, at three months participants' perception of their social support remained constant compared with deterioration in the control group, while no effect was observed on loneliness.

    “At three months, participants' perception of their social support remained constant compared with deterioration in the control group, while no effect was observed on loneliness.”

    From Interventions targeting social isolation in older people: a systematic review (2011) · cites this paper as [63]

  • Thirteen out of 19 (68%) group interventions in this review had a positive effect on at least one of the four social health sub-domains.

    “Thirteen out of 19 (68%) group interventions in this review [13,53,55,60,63,66-69,73-76] had a positive effect on at least one of the four social health sub-domains.”

    From Interventions targeting social isolation in older people: a systematic review (2011) · cites this paper as [63]

  • Nineteen out of 23 (83%) participatory interventions were observed to have beneficial effects on at least one outcome compared with only four out of nine (44%) non-participatory interventions.

    “Nineteen out of the 23 (83%) participatory interventions were observed to have beneficial effects on at least one outcome [13,52-56,60,63,65-70,73-76,81] compared with only four out of nine (44%) non-participatory interventions [59,71,78,79].”

    From Interventions targeting social isolation in older people: a systematic review (2011) · cites this paper as [63]

  • Twelve out of 15 (80%) support interventions reported beneficial effects.

    “Twelve out of the 15 (80%) support interventions reported beneficial effects [52-56,63,66,68,69,73,75,76].”

    From Interventions targeting social isolation in older people: a systematic review (2011) · cites this paper as [63]

  • Four studies provided no information about the person providing the intervention, three of which (75%) reported beneficial outcomes.

    “Four studies provided no information about the person providing the intervention, three of which (75%) reported beneficial outcomes [63,67,75].”

    From Interventions targeting social isolation in older people: a systematic review (2011) · cites this paper as [63]

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Authors
Winningham, R. G., & Pike, N. L.
Affiliations
Western Oregon University (US)
Corresponding author
Winningham, R. G.
ORCID
Winningham, R. G.
Venue
Aging & Mental Health
Publisher
Informa UK Limited
Published
2007-11
Volume
11
Issue
6
Pages
716-721
ISSN
  • 1360-7863 (ISSN-L)
  • 1364-6915
DOI
10.1080/13607860701366228
OpenAlex
W2130268063
Cited by
153
References
32
Citations by year
2026: 3 · 2025: 3 · 2024: 8 · 2023: 5 · 2022: 11 · 2021: 13 · 2020: 11 · 2019: 10 · 2018: 7 · 2017: 9 · 2016: 12 · 2015: 14 · 2014: 10 · 2013: 7 · 2012: 12
FWCI
2.89
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
closed
Locations
  • Aging & Mental Health (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
Topics
  • Social Sciences › Psychology › Neuropsychology and Physiological Psychology › Aging and Gerontology Research
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health › Aging, Health, and Disability
  • Health Sciences › Health Professions › General Health Professions › Aging, Elder Care, and Social Issues
Keywords
cognitive intervention, social support networks, loneliness, institutionalized elderly, nursing homes, assisted living, perceived social support, cognitive stimulation, social interaction, quality of life, depression, group intervention
MeSH terms
Adaptation, Psychological, Aged, Aged, 80 and over, Health Promotion, Humans, Institutionalization, Loneliness, Social Behavior, Social Support, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

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