Interventions to address social connectedness and loneliness for older adults: a scoping review
Open accessPublished version of a preprint
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Older adults are at risk for loneliness, and interventions to promote social connectedness are needed to directly address this problem. The nature of interventions aimed to affect the distinct, subjective concepts of loneliness/social connectedness has not been clearly described. The purpose of this review was to map the literature on interventions and strategies to affect loneliness/social connectedness for older adults. METHODS: A comprehensive scoping review was conducted. Six electronic databases were searched from inception in July 2015, resulting in 5530 unique records. Standardized inclusion/exclusion criteria were applied, resulting in a set of 44 studies (reported in 54 articles) for further analysis. Data were extracted to describe the interventions and strategies, and the context of the included studies. Analytic techniques included calculating frequencies, manifest content analysis and meta-summary. RESULTS: Interventions were described or evaluated in 39 studies, and five studies described strategies to affect loneliness/social connectedness of older adults or their caregivers in a qualitative descriptive study. The studies were often conducted in the United States (38.6%) among community dwelling (54.5%), cognitively intact (31.8%), and female-majority (86.4%) samples. Few focused on non-white participants (4.5%). Strategies described most often were engaging in purposeful activity and maintaining contact with one's social network. Of nine intervention types identified, the most frequently described were One-to-One Personal Contact and Group Activity. Authors held divergent views of why the same type of intervention might impact social connectedness, but social contact was the most frequently conceptualized influencing factor targeted, both within and across intervention types. CONCLUSIONS: Research to test the divergent theories of why interventions work is needed to advance understanding of intervention mechanisms. Innovative conceptualizations of intervention targets are needed, such as purposeful activity, that move beyond the current focus on the objective social network as a way to promote social connectedness for older adults.
The claims and statistics of this paper haven’t been checked yet.
Run the check — free, no account needed. It reads the open-access text and checks the sources it cites.
Integrity signals
Registry
Cites
Statistics
Claims the paper makes
The claims and statistics of this paper haven’t been checked yet.
Run the check — free, no account needed. It reads the open-access text and checks the sources it cites.
Claims other papers make about this one
Each is checked against this paper’s own text: does it say what the citing paper says it does?
Most loneliness interventions aimed at older individuals focus on other facets, such as social contact.
“However, most loneliness interventions aimed at older individuals focus rather on other facets, such as social contact (O ' Rourke et al., 2018).”
From Feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy of an internet-based CBT intervention for loneliness in older adults: A pilot RCT (2024) · cites this paper as O ' Rourke et al., 2018
Self-check
Percentages, sums and reported differences re-computed from the paper’s own numbers.
The self-check needs the paper’s full text.
Cites
Scoping studies: towards a methodological framework
Arksey, H., & O'Malley, L. (2005) · International Journal of Social Research Methodology · doi:10.1080/1364557032000119616 · Cited by 36,742 · see citing works
Scoping studies: advancing the methodology
Levac, D., Colquhoun, H., & O'Brien, K. K. (2010) · Implementation Science · doi:10.1186/1748-5908-5-69 · Cited by 15,268 · see citing works
Loneliness: the experience of emotional and social isolation
Weiss, R. S. (1974) · Cited by 2,513 · see citing works
A Meta-Analysis of Interventions to Reduce Loneliness
Masi, C. M., Chen, H.-Y., Hawkley, L. C., & Cacioppo, J. T. (2011) · Personality and Social Psychology Review · doi:10.1177/1088868310377394 · Cited by 1,995 · see citing works
Measuring belongingness: The Social Connectedness and the Social Assurance scales.
Lee, R. M., & Robbins, S. B. (1995) · Journal of Counseling Psychology · doi:10.1037/0022-0167.42.2.232 · Cited by 1,484 · see citing works
Handbook for Synthesizing Qualitative Research
Sandelowski, M., & Barroso, J. V. (2006) · Medical Entomology and Zoology · Cited by 1,096 · see citing works
CATTAN, M., WHITE, M., BOND, J., & LEARMOUTH, A. (2005) · Ageing and Society · doi:10.1017/s0144686x04002594 · Cited by 1,038 · see citing works
Haussler, S. C., & Cloutterbuck, J. (2008) · The Journal of Continuing Education in Nursing · doi:10.3928/00220124-20080101-07 · Cited by 941 · see citing works
Interventions targeting social isolation in older people: a systematic review
Dickens, A. P., Richards, S. H., Greaves, C. J., & Campbell, J. L. (2011) · BMC Public Health · doi:10.1186/1471-2458-11-647 · Cited by 767 · see citing works
A review of loneliness: concept and definitions, determinants and consequences
Gierveld, J. D. J. (1998) · Reviews in Clinical Gerontology · doi:10.1017/s0959259898008090 · Cited by 632 · see citing works
Creswell, J. D., Irwin, M. R., Burklund, L. J., Lieberman, M. D., Arevalo, J. M. G., Ma, J., Breen, E. C., & Cole, S. W. (2012) · Brain, Behavior, and Immunity · doi:10.1016/j.bbi.2012.07.006 · Cited by 607 · see citing works
Cohen, G. D., Perlstein, S., Chapline, J., Kelly, J., Firth, K. M., & Simmens, S. J. (2006) · The Gerontologist · doi:10.1093/geront/46.6.726 · Cited by 558 · see citing works
The Psychosocial Effects of a Companion Robot: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Robinson, H., MacDonald, B., Kerse, N., & Broadbent, E. (2013) · Journal of the American Medical Directors Association · doi:10.1016/j.jamda.2013.02.007 · Cited by 546 · see citing works
Interventions to reduce social isolation amongst older people: where is the evidence?
FINDLAY, R. A. (2003) · Ageing and Society · doi:10.1017/s0144686x03001296 · Cited by 479 · see citing works
Banks, M. R., & Banks, W. A. (2002) · The Journals of Gerontology Series A · doi:10.1093/gerona/57.7.m428 · Cited by 388 · see citing works
Chiang, K., Chu, H., Chang, H., Chung, M., Chen, C., Chiou, H., & Chou, K. (2009) · International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry · doi:10.1002/gps.2350 · Cited by 320 · see citing works
Ashida, S., & Heaney, C. A. (2008) · Journal of Aging and Health · doi:10.1177/0898264308324626 · Cited by 320 · see citing works
Loneliness research and interventions: A review of the literature
Andersson, L. F. (1998) · Aging & Mental Health · doi:10.1080/13607869856506 · Cited by 299 · see citing works
Sander, R. (2005) · Nursing Older People · doi:10.7748/nop.17.1.40.s11 · Cited by 297 · see citing works
Connectedness: A Review of the Literature With Implications for Counseling, Assessment, and Research
Townsend, K. C., & McWhirter, B. T. (2005) · Journal of Counseling & Development · doi:10.1002/j.1556-6678.2005.tb00596.x · Cited by 293 · see citing works
Design, Evaluation, and Translation of Nursing Interventions
Sidani, S., & Braden, C. J. (2011) · Wiley eBooks · doi:10.1002/9781118785553 · Cited by 281 · see citing works
Interventions for Alleviating Loneliness among Older Persons: A Critical Review
Cohen-Mansfield, J., & Perach, R. (2015) · American Journal of Health Promotion · doi:10.4278/ajhp.130418-lit-182 · Cited by 277 · see citing works
Fokkema, T., & Knipscheer, K. (2007) · Aging & Mental Health · doi:10.1080/13607860701366129 · Cited by 230 · see citing works
Leeman, J., Calancie, L., Hartman, M. A., Escoffery, C. T., Herrmann, A. K., Tague, L. E., Moore, A. A., Wilson, K. M., Schreiner, M., & Samuel-Hodge, C. (2015) · Implementation Science · doi:10.1186/s13012-015-0272-7 · Cited by 217 · see citing works
Research on Creativity and Aging: The Positive Impact of the Arts on Health and Illness
Cohen, G. D. (2006) · Generations · Cited by 214 · see citing works
Routasalo, P. E., Tilvis, R. S., Kautiainen, H., & Pitkala, K. H. (2009) · Journal of Advanced Nursing · doi:10.1111/j.1365-2648.2008.04837.x · Cited by 208 · see citing works
Reducing loneliness amongst older people: a systematic search and narrative review
Hagan, R. J., Manktelow, R., Taylor, B. J., & Mallett, J. (2014) · Aging & Mental Health · doi:10.1080/13607863.2013.875122 · Cited by 204 · see citing works
Pet ownership may attenuate loneliness among older adult primary care patients who live alone
Stanley, I. H., Conwell, Y., Bowen, C., & Orden, K. A. V. (2013) · Aging & Mental Health · doi:10.1080/13607863.2013.837147 · Cited by 199 · see citing works
Tsai, H.-H., Tsai, Y.-F., Wang, H.-H., Chang, Y.-C., & Chu, H. H. (2010) · Aging & Mental Health · doi:10.1080/13607863.2010.501057 · Cited by 197 · see citing works
Pitkala, K. H., Routasalo, P., Kautiainen, H., & Tilvis, R. S. (2009) · The Journals of Gerontology Series A: Biological Sciences and Medical Sciences · doi:10.1093/gerona/glp011 · Cited by 183 · see citing works
Tsai, H.-H., & Tsai, Y.-F. (2011) · Journal of Medical Internet Research · doi:10.2196/jmir.1678 · Cited by 167 · see citing works
Definition, Determinants, and Outcomes of Social Connectedness for Older Adults: A Scoping Review
O’Rourke, H. M., & Sidani, S. (2017) · Journal of Gerontological Nursing · doi:10.3928/00989134-20170223-03 · Cited by 166 · see citing works
Addressing loneliness in later life
Pettigrew, S., & Roberts, M. (2008) · Aging & Mental Health · doi:10.1080/13607860802121084 · Cited by 155 · see citing works
Dementia and loneliness: an Australian perspective
Moyle, W., Kellett, U., Ballantyne, A., & Gracia, N. (2011) · Journal of Clinical Nursing · doi:10.1111/j.1365-2702.2010.03549.x · Cited by 141 · see citing works
Ong, A. D., & Allaire, J. C. (2005) · Psychology and Aging · doi:10.1037/0882-7974.20.3.476 · Cited by 141 · see citing works
Stewart, M., Craig, D. M., MacPherson, K. M., & Alexander, S. (2001) · Public Health Nursing · doi:10.1046/j.1525-1446.2001.00054.x · Cited by 134 · see citing works
Cattan, M., Kime, N., & Bagnall, A.-M. (2010) · Health & Social Care in the Community · doi:10.1111/j.1365-2524.2010.00967.x · Cited by 129 · see citing works
Toward a Better Understanding of Loneliness In Community-Dwelling Older Adults
Smith, J. M. (2012) · The Journal of Psychology · doi:10.1080/00223980.2011.602132 · Cited by 124 · see citing works
Combating loneliness: a friendship enrichment programme for older women
STEVENS, N. L. (2001) · Ageing and Society · doi:10.1017/s0144686x01008108 · Cited by 118 · see citing works
Blažun, H. V., Saranto, K., & Rissanen, S. (2012) · Computers in Human Behavior · doi:10.1016/j.chb.2012.02.004 · Cited by 116 · see citing works
Banks, M. R., & Banks, W. A. (2005) · Anthrozoös · doi:10.2752/089279305785593983 · Cited by 113 · see citing works
Beyond the Basics: Effects of the Eden Alternative Model on Quality of Life Issues
Bergman-Evans, B. (2004) · Journal of Gerontological Nursing · doi:10.3928/0098-9134-20040601-07 · Cited by 112 · see citing works
Intervention against loneliness in a group of elderly women: An impact evaluation
Anderson, L. (1985) · Social Science & Medicine · doi:10.1016/0277-9536(85)90010-3 · Cited by 112 · see citing works
Loneliness in Care Homes: A Neglected Area of Research?
Victor, C. R. (2012) · Aging Health · doi:10.2217/ahe.12.65 · Cited by 111 · see citing works
Martina, C. M. S., & Stevens, N. L. (2006) · Aging & Mental Health · doi:10.1080/13607860600637893 · Cited by 105 · see citing works
Preventing loneliness and social isolation: interventions and outcomes
Windle, K., Francis, J., & Coomber, C. (2011) · Cited by 95 · see citing works
Social Intervention and the Elderly:A Randomized Controlled Trial
Clarke, M., Clarke, S. J., & Jagger, C. (1992) · American Journal of Epidemiology · doi:10.1093/oxfordjournals.aje.a116473 · Cited by 94 · see citing works
Meeting the need to belong: Predicting effects of a friendship enrichment program for older women
Stevens, N. L., Martina, C. M. S., & Westerhof, G. J. (2006) · The Gerontologist · doi:10.1093/geront/46.4.495 · Cited by 92 · see citing works
Assisting friendships, combating loneliness: users' views on a ‘befriending’ scheme
Andrews, G. J., Gavin, N., BEGLEY, S., & Brodie, D. A. (2003) · Ageing and Society · doi:10.1017/s0144686x03001156 · Cited by 92 · see citing works
Savikko, N., Routasalo, P., Tilvis, R., & Pitkälä, K. (2010) · International Journal of Older People Nursing · doi:10.1111/j.1748-3743.2009.00191.x · Cited by 86 · see citing works
Improved self-management ability and well-being in older women after a short group intervention
Kremers, I. P., Steverink, N., Albersnagel, F. A., & Slaets, J. P. J. (2006) · Aging & Mental Health · doi:10.1080/13607860600841206 · Cited by 86 · see citing works
STIMULATING FRIENDSHIP IN LATER LIFE: A STRATEGY FOR REDUCING LONELINESS AMONG OLDER WOMEN
Steven, T. V. T. N. (2000) · Educational Gerontology · doi:10.1080/036012700267376 · Cited by 83 · see citing works
Alleviating Social Isolation and Loneliness among Older People
Cattan, M., Newell, C., Bond, J., & White, M. J. (2003) · International Journal of Mental Health Promotion · doi:10.1080/14623730.2003.9721909 · Cited by 79 · see citing works
Van Orden, K. A., Stone, D. M., Rowe, J., McIntosh, W. L., Podgorski, C., & Conwell, Y. (2013) · Contemporary Clinical Trials · doi:10.1016/j.cct.2013.03.003 · Cited by 75 · see citing works
Brownie, S., & Horstmanshof, L. (2011) · Geriatric Nursing · doi:10.1016/j.gerinurse.2011.05.003 · Cited by 75 · see citing works
Brown, V. M., Allen, A. C., Dwozan, M., Mercer, I., & Warren, K. (2004) · Journal of Gerontological Nursing · doi:10.3928/0098-9134-20041001-10 · Cited by 72 · see citing works
van der Heide, L. A., Willems, C. G., Spreeuwenberg, M. D., Rietman, J., & de Witte, L. (2012) · Technology and Disability · doi:10.3233/tad-120359 · Cited by 67 · see citing works
Winstead, V., Yost, E. A., Cotten, S. R., Berkowsky, R. W., & Anderson, W. A. (2014) · Journal of Applied Gerontology · doi:10.1177/0733464814537701 · Cited by 64 · see citing works
Animal assisted therapy and perception of loneliness in geriatric nursing home residents.
Vrbanac, Z., Zečević, I., Ljubić, M., Belić, M., Stanin, D., Bottegaro, N. B., Jurkić, G., Škrlin, B., Bedrica, L., & Žubčić, D. (2013) · PubMed · Cited by 60 · see citing works
Bartlett, H., Warburton, J., Lui, C., Peach, L., & Carroll, M. T. C. (2012) · Ageing and Society · doi:10.1017/s0144686x12000463 · Cited by 60 · see citing works
Kim, H., Hong, S., & Kim, M. (2014) · Journal of Developmental and Physical Disabilities · doi:10.1007/s10882-014-9418-9 · Cited by 57 · see citing works
Baker, F. A., & Ballantyne, J. (2013) · Nordic Journal of Music Therapy · doi:10.1080/08098131.2012.678372 · Cited by 57 · see citing works
Alleviating Loneliness among Frail Older People – Findings from a Randomised Controlled Trial
Ollonqvist, K., Palkeinen, H., Aaltonen, T., Pohjolainen, T., Puukka, P., Hinkka, K., & Pöntinen, S. (2008) · International Journal of Mental Health Promotion · doi:10.1080/14623730.2008.9721760 · Cited by 42 · see citing works
The Development and Evaluation of Mutual Support Groups in Long-Term Care Homes
Theurer, K. A., Wister, A., Sixsmith, A. J., Chaudhury, H., & Lovegreen, L. D. (2012) · Journal of Applied Gerontology · doi:10.1177/0733464812446866 · Cited by 42 · see citing works
Intervention Against Loneliness in a Group of Elderly Women: A Process Evaluation
Andersson, L. F. (1984) · Human Relations · doi:10.1177/001872678403700402 · Cited by 41 · see citing works
Ericsson, I., Hellström, I., & Kjellström, S. (2011) · Dementia · doi:10.1177/1471301211409376 · Cited by 37 · see citing works
Concept Analysis of Loneliness With Implications for Nursing Diagnosis
ElSadr, C. B., Noureddine, S., & Kelley, J. (2009) · International Journal of Nursing Terminologies and Classifications · doi:10.1111/j.1744-618x.2008.01110.x · Cited by 35 · see citing works
Silver Memories: Implementation and evaluation of a unique radio program for older people
Travers, C., & Bartlett, H. (2010) · Aging & Mental Health · doi:10.1080/13607863.2010.508774 · Cited by 33 · see citing works
de Vlaming, R., Haveman‐Nies, A., Veer, P. V., & de Groot, C. P. G. M. (2010) · BMC Public Health · doi:10.1186/1471-2458-10-552 · Cited by 29 · see citing works
Lee, E. S. (2014) · Journal of Religion Spirituality & Aging · doi:10.1080/15528030.2013.879090 · Cited by 19 · see citing works
Shared Interest Groups (SHIGs) in Low-Income Independent Living Facilities
Cohen‐Mansfield, J., Parpura‐Gill, A., Kotler, M., Vass, J., MacLennan, B. W., & Rosenberg, F. R. (2007) · Clinical Gerontologist · doi:10.1300/j018v31n01_08 · Cited by 13 · see citing works
Technology as a means of reducing loneliness in the elderly
Moses, B. J. (2003) · Cited by 11 · see citing works
de Vlaming, R., Haveman‐Nies, A., Ziylan, C., & Renes, R. J. (2013) · American Journal of Health Education · doi:10.1080/19325037.2013.767734 · Cited by 11 · see citing works
The impact of the Eden Alternative on quality of life of nursing home residents
Parsons, M. E. (2004) · Lincoln (University of Nebraska) · Cited by 6 · see citing works
Investigation of the Associations Between Social Connectedness and Internet Usage for Older Adults
Easton-Hogg, E. D., Lim, N. K., Bergandi, T., & Borders, K. (2013) · PsycEXTRA Dataset · doi:10.1037/e610952013-001 · Cited by 4 · see citing works
Flagged first, then by citations
3 of the 78 references couldn’t be matched to a known paper.
Research works printed but not linked: 7
- Pan S. Online communities and older adults: the potential of social networks formed in the online community in enhancing social support, social connectedness and subjective well-being among Chinese older adults. Los Angelas: University of Southern California; 2011.
- Zelenka A. Modeling social participation as predictive of life satisfaction and social connectedness: scale or index? Denver: University of Denver; 2011.
- Marshall G. Predictors associated with late-life depressive symptoms among older black Americans. Washington: University of Washington; 2011.
- Cattan M, Ingold K. Implementing change: the alleviation of social isolation and loneliness among older people in Leeds. J Ment Heal Promot. 2003;2:12–9.
- Centre for Reviews and Dissemination. Systematic reviews: CDR’s guidance for undertaking reviews in health care. York: York Publishing Services; 2009.
- Schwindenhammer TM. Videoconferencing intervention for depressive symptoms. Normal: Illinois State University; 2014.
- Passmore T, Lindenmeier D, Tapps T, Gibson H. Impact of participation in community-based recreation program on reported loneliness and feelings of usefulness of individuals diagnoses with early stage Alzheimer’s disease. Am J Recreat Ther. 2007;6:27–39.
Cited by
Sorted by citations
Holt‐Lunstad, J. (2024) · World Psychiatry · doi:10.1002/wps.21224 · Cited by 498 · see citing works
Loneliness from young adulthood to old age: explaining age differences in loneliness
Hawkley, L. C., Buecker, S., Kaiser, T., & Luhmann, M. (2022) · International Journal of Behavioral Development · doi:10.1177/0165025420971048 · Cited by 281 · see citing works
Cené, C. W., Beckie, T. M., Sims, M., Suglia, S. F., Aggarwal, B., Moise, N., Jiménez, M. C., Gaye, B., & McCullough, L. D. (2022) · Journal of the American Heart Association · doi:10.1161/jaha.122.026493 · Cited by 235 · see citing works
Barriers and Facilitators to Social Participation in Older Adults: A Systematic Literature Review
Townsend, B. G., Chen, J. T.-H., & Wuthrich, V. M. (2021) · Clinical Gerontologist · doi:10.1080/07317115.2020.1863890 · Cited by 236 · see citing works
Social participation and risk of developing dementia
Sommerlad, A., Kivimäki, M., Larson, E. B., Röhr, S., Shirai, K., Singh-Manoux, A., & Livingston, G. (2023) · Nature Aging · doi:10.1038/s43587-023-00387-0 · Cited by 207 · see citing works
Bethell, J., Aelick, K., Babineau, J., Bretzlaff, M., Edwards, C., Gibson, J., Colborne, D. H., Iaboni, A., Lender, D., Schon, D., et al. (2020) · Journal of the American Medical Directors Association · doi:10.1016/j.jamda.2020.11.025 · Cited by 163 · see citing works
Sugden, K., Caspi, A., Elliott, M. L., Bourassa, K. J., Chamarti, K., Corcoran, D. L., Hariri, A. R., Houts, R., Kothari, M., Kritchevsky, S. B., et al. (2022) · Neurology · doi:10.1212/wnl.0000000000200898 · Cited by 136 · see citing works
Sense of Belonging, Meaningful Daily Life Participation, and Well-Being: Integrated Investigation
Haim-Litevsky, D., Komemi, R., & Lipskaya‐Velikovsky, L. (2023) · International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health · doi:10.3390/ijerph20054121 · Cited by 163 · see citing works
Akhter‐Khan, S. C., Prina, M. A., Wong, G. H. Y., Mayston, R., & Li, L. (2022) · Perspectives on Psychological Science · doi:10.1177/17456916221127218 · Cited by 154 · see citing works
Balki, E., Hayes, N., & Holland, C. (2022) · JMIR Aging · doi:10.2196/40125 · Cited by 132 · see citing works
Flett, G. L., & Heisel, M. J. (2020) · International Journal of Mental Health and Addiction · doi:10.1007/s11469-020-00339-4 · Cited by 130 · see citing works
Kadambi, S. G., Soto‐Pérez‐de‐Celis, E., Garg, T. K., Loh, K. P., Krok‐Schoen, J. L., Battisti, N. M. L., Moffat, G. T., Gil, L. A., Mohile, S. G., & Hsu, T. (2019) · Journal of Geriatric Oncology · doi:10.1016/j.jgo.2019.09.005 · Cited by 123 · see citing works
Lapane, K. L., Lim, E., McPhillips, E., Barooah, A., Yuan, Y., & Dube, C. E. (2022) · Archives of Gerontology and Geriatrics · doi:10.1016/j.archger.2022.104728 · Cited by 126 · see citing works
Quan, N. G., Lohman, M. C., Resciniti, N. V., & Friedman, D. B. (2019) · Aging & Mental Health · doi:10.1080/13607863.2019.1673311 · Cited by 118 · see citing works
Jones, V. K., Hanus, M., Yan, C., Shade, M. Y., Blaskewicz Boron, J., & Maschieri Bicudo, R. (2021) · Frontiers in Public Health · doi:10.3389/fpubh.2021.750736 · Cited by 111 · see citing works
Welch, V. A., Ghogomu, E. T., Barbeau, V. I., Dowling, S., Doyle, R., Beveridge, E., Boulton, E., Desai, P., Huang, J. X., Elmestekawy, N., et al. (2023) · Campbell Systematic Reviews · doi:10.1002/cl2.1369 · Cited by 115 · see citing works
Revisiones Sistemáticas Exploratorias como metodología para la síntesis del conocimiento científico
Sánchez, H. F., King, K. D., & Hernández, C. B. E. (2020) · Enfermería Universitaria · doi:10.22201/eneo.23958421e.2020.1.697 · Cited by 101 · see citing works
Lee, J. J.-H., Hong, J., Zhou, Y., & Robles, G. (2019) · Clinical Social Work Journal · doi:10.1007/s10615-019-00728-w · Cited by 98 · see citing works
Jarvis, M. A., Padmanabhanunni, A., & Chipps, J. A. (2019) · International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health · doi:10.3390/ijerph16071305 · Cited by 94 · see citing works
Why Loneliness Interventions Are Unsuccessful: A Call for Precision Health
Akhter‐Khan, S. C., & Au, R. (2020) · Advances in Geriatric Medicine and Research · doi:10.20900/agmr20200016 · Cited by 89 · see citing works
Fong, P., Cruwys, T., Robinson, S. L., Haslam, S. A., Haslam, C., Mance, P. L., & Fisher, C. (2021) · Social Science & Medicine · doi:10.1016/j.socscimed.2021.113909 · Cited by 88 · see citing works
Shekelle, P., Miake-Lye, I. M., Begashaw, M. M., Booth, M. S., Myers, B. A., Lowery, N., & Shrank, W. H. (2024) · Journal of General Internal Medicine · doi:10.1007/s11606-023-08517-5 · Cited by 97 · see citing works
Interventions to improve social connections: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Zagic, D., Wuthrich, V. M., Rapee, R. M., & Wolters, N. E. (2021) · Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology · doi:10.1007/s00127-021-02191-w · Cited by 88 · see citing works
A meta-analysis of loneliness and risk of dementia using longitudinal data from >600,000 individuals
Luchetti, M., Aschwanden, D., Sesker, A. A., Zhu, X., O’Súilleabháin, P. S., Stéphan, Y., Terracciano, A., & Sutin, A. R. (2024) · Nature Mental Health · doi:10.1038/s44220-024-00328-9 · Cited by 83 · see citing works
Franke, T., Sims‐Gould, J., Nettlefold, L., Ottoni, C. A., & McKay, H. A. (2021) · BMC Public Health · doi:10.1186/s12889-021-10363-1 · Cited by 82 · see citing works
Gálvez-Hernández, P., Paz, L. G., & Muntaner, C. (2022) · BMJ Open · doi:10.1136/bmjopen-2021-057729 · Cited by 80 · see citing works
Pentikäinen, E., Pitkäniemi, A., Siponkoski, S., Jansson, M., Louhivuori, J., Johnson, J. K., Paajanen, T. I., & Särkämö, T. (2021) · PLoS ONE · doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0245666 · Cited by 71 · see citing works
Mays, A. M., Kim, S., Rosales, K. B., Au, T., & Rosen, S. L. (2020) · American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry · doi:10.1016/j.jagp.2020.10.006 · Cited by 70 · see citing works
Lawless, M., Tieu, M., Feo, R., & Kitson, A. A. (2021) · Social Science & Medicine · doi:10.1016/j.socscimed.2021.114393 · Cited by 76 · see citing works
Interventions to reduce loneliness in caregivers: An integrative review of the literature
Velloze, I. G., Jester, D. J., Jeste, D. V., & Mausbach, B. T. (2022) · Psychiatry Research · doi:10.1016/j.psychres.2022.114508 · Cited by 69 · see citing works
Inflammatory biomarkers of frailty: A review
Zhang, L., Zeng, X., He, F., & Huang, X. (2023) · Experimental Gerontology · doi:10.1016/j.exger.2023.112253 · Cited by 67 · see citing works
Osborn, T. G., Weatherburn, P., & French, R. (2021) · Journal of Adolescence · doi:10.1016/j.adolescence.2021.09.007 · Cited by 64 · see citing works
Döring, N. M., Conde, M., Brandenburg, K., Broll, W., Groß, H., Werner, S., & Raake, A. (2022) · International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health · doi:10.3390/ijerph191811310 · Cited by 66 · see citing works
Huang, C. H., Okada, K., Matsushita, E., Uno, C., Satake, S., Martins, B. A., & Kuzuya, M. (2021) · BMC Geriatrics · doi:10.1186/s12877-021-02466-6 · Cited by 66 · see citing works
El-Osta, A. A. R., Alaa, A., Webber, I., Sasco, E. R., Bagkeris, E., Millar, H. L., Vidal-Hall, C., & Majeed, A. (2021) · BMJ Open · doi:10.1136/bmjopen-2020-043397 · Cited by 61 · see citing works
Boucher, E. M., McNaughton, E. C., Harake, N., Stafford, J. L., & Parks, A. C. (2021) · JMIR Mental Health · doi:10.2196/26617 · Cited by 61 · see citing works
Geriatric Cardiology: Coming of Age
Goyal, P., Kwak, M. J., Malouf, C. A., Kumar, M., Rohant, N., Damluji, A. A., Denfeld, Q. E., Bircher, K. K., Krishnaswami, A., Alexander, K. P., et al. (2022) · JACC Advances · doi:10.1016/j.jacadv.2022.100070 · Cited by 63 · see citing works
Wang, S., Molassiotis, A., Guo, C., Leung, I. S. H., & Leung, A. Y. M. (2022) · Journal of the American Geriatrics Society · doi:10.1111/jgs.18094 · Cited by 64 · see citing works
Sachs, A. L., Kolster, A., Wrigley, J., Papon, V., Opačin, N., Hill, N., Howarth, M. L., Rochau, U., Hidalgo, L., Casajuana, C., et al. (2024) · Landscape and Urban Planning · doi:10.1016/j.landurbplan.2024.105071 · Cited by 59 · see citing works
Social health, social reserve and dementia
Sachdev, P. S. (2021) · Current Opinion in Psychiatry · doi:10.1097/yco.0000000000000779 · Cited by 57 · see citing works
Giebel, C. M., Hassan, S. M., Harvey, G., Devitt, C., Harper, L. M., & Simmill‐Binning, C. (2020) · Health & Social Care in the Community · doi:10.1111/hsc.13228 · Cited by 49 · see citing works
Ottoni, C. A., Winters, M., & Sims‐Gould, J. (2022) · Health & Place · doi:10.1016/j.healthplace.2022.102844 · Cited by 49 · see citing works
Child, S. T., Nicklett, E. J., Stauber, D. B., & Ward, D. M. (2021) · American Public Health Association eBooks · doi:10.2105/9780875533162ch09 · Cited by 49 · see citing works
Ascanio, J. H., de Torres, L. Á. P., Rich‐Ruiz, M., González‐Santos, J., Mielgo‐Ayuso, J., Gonzalez-Bernal, J. J., & ASyS Study Collaborative Group (2022) · Nursing Open · doi:10.1002/nop2.1277 · Cited by 47 · see citing works
Neves, B. B., Waycott, J., & Maddox, A. (2021) · Sociological Research Online · doi:10.1177/13607804211029298 · Cited by 47 · see citing works
Petersen, B., Khalili‐Mahani, N., Murphy, C. E., Sawchuk, K., Phillips, N. A., Li, K., & Hebblethwaite, S. (2023) · Frontiers in Psychology · doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1063146 · Cited by 52 · see citing works
How patients with cancer experience dignity: An integrative review
Xiao, J., Ng, M. S. N., Yan, T., Chow, K. M., & Chan, C. W. H. (2021) · Psycho-Oncology · doi:10.1002/pon.5687 · Cited by 46 · see citing works
Mays, A. M., & Rosen, S. L. (2023) · Springer eBooks · doi:10.1007/978-3-030-01782-8_5-1 · Cited by 45 · see citing works
Hearing Impairment and Loneliness in Older Adults in the United States
Huang, A., Deal, J. A., Rebok, G. W., Pinto, J. M., Waite, L. J., & Lin, F. R. (2020) · Journal of Applied Gerontology · doi:10.1177/0733464820944082 · Cited by 45 · see citing works
The meanings of loneliness for older persons
Cohen‐Mansfield, J., & Eisner, R. (2019) · Aging & Mental Health · doi:10.1080/13607863.2019.1571019 · Cited by 43 · see citing works
Feasibility and Enjoyment of Exercise Video Games in Older Adults
FREED, S. A., Sprague, B. N., Stephan, A. T., Doyle, C. E., Tian, J., Phillips, C. B., & Ross, L. A. (2021) · Frontiers in Public Health · doi:10.3389/fpubh.2021.751289 · Cited by 43 · see citing works
Noble, C., Medin, D., Quail, Z., Young, C., & Carter, M. (2021) · Gerontology and Geriatric Medicine · doi:10.1177/2333721420986027 · Cited by 42 · see citing works
Yuen, E. Y. N., & Wilson, C. J. (2021) · Current Oncology · doi:10.3390/curroncol29010002 · Cited by 41 · see citing works
Social connectedness, mindfulness, and coping as protective factors during the COVID‐19 pandemic
Dailey, S. F., Parker, M. M., & Campbell, A. (2023) · Journal of Counseling & Development · doi:10.1002/jcad.12450 · Cited by 41 · see citing works
Horgan, S. A., Prorok, J. C., Ellis, K., Mullaly, L., Cassidy, K.-L., Seitz, D. P., & Checkland, C. (2024) · International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health · doi:10.3390/ijerph21060664 · Cited by 44 · see citing works
Loneliness and the COVID-19 Pandemic: Implications for Intimate Partner Violence Survivors
Goodman, L. A., & Epstein, D. (2020) · Journal of Family Violence · doi:10.1007/s10896-020-00215-8 · Cited by 40 · see citing works
Feng, K., Altınay, L., & Alrawadıeh, Z. (2022) · Journal of Hospitality Marketing & Management · doi:10.1080/19368623.2023.2139036 · Cited by 38 · see citing works
Pan, H., Fokkema, T., Switsers, L., Dury, S., Hoens, S., & Donder, L. D. (2021) · European Journal of Ageing · doi:10.1007/s10433-021-00625-7 · Cited by 38 · see citing works
Gray, S. M., Franke, T., Sims‐Gould, J., & McKay, H. A. (2022) · BMC Public Health · doi:10.1186/s12889-022-13547-5 · Cited by 38 · see citing works
Social Relationships and Risk of Type 2 Diabetes Among Postmenopausal Women.
Hendryx, M., Nicholson, W., Manson, J., Kroenke, C., Lee, J., Weitlauf, J., Garcia, L., Jonasson, J. M., Wactawski-Wende, J., & Luo, J.-H. (2019) · The journals of gerontology. Series B, Psychological sciences and social sciences · doi:10.1093/geronb/gbz047 · Cited by 26 · see citing works
Makovski, T. T., Coroller, G. L., Putrik, P., Choi, Y., Zeegers, M. P., Stranges, S., Ruiz‐Castell, M., Huiart, L., & van den Akker, M. (2020) · PLoS ONE · doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0240024 · Cited by 38 · see citing works
Cognitive health risks posed by social isolation and loneliness in older Korean Americans
Jang, Y., Choi, E. Y., Park, N. S., Chiriboga, D. A., Duan, L., & Kim, M. T. (2021) · BMC Geriatrics · doi:10.1186/s12877-021-02066-4 · Cited by 36 · see citing works
Boekhout, J. M., Volders, E., Bolman, C. A. W., de Groot, R. H. M., & Lechner, L. (2021) · Journal of Aging and Health · doi:10.1177/08982643211015027 · Cited by 34 · see citing works
The power of connection: Self-care strategies of social wellbeing
Jordan, M. (2023) · Journal of Interprofessional Education & Practice · doi:10.1016/j.xjep.2022.100586 · Cited by 42 · see citing works
Oken, B., Kaplan, J., Klee, D., & Gallegos, A. M. (2024) · Frontiers in Human Neuroscience · doi:10.3389/fnhum.2024.1380002 · Cited by 38 · see citing works
Lutz, J., Orden, K. A. V., BRUCE, M. L., & Conwell, Y. (2021) · American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry · doi:10.1016/j.jagp.2021.01.137 · Cited by 34 · see citing works
Lenstra, N., Oguz, F. J., Winberry, J., & Wilson, L. S. (2021) · Public Library Quarterly · doi:10.1080/01616846.2021.1970446 · Cited by 34 · see citing works
Understanding Social and Emotional Loneliness among Black Older Adults: A Scoping Review
Ojembe, B. U., Kalu, M. E., Ezulike, J. C. D., Iwuagwu, A. O., Ekoh, P. C., Oyinlola, O., Osifeso, T., John, M. O., & Kapiriri, L. (2022) · Journal of Applied Gerontology · doi:10.1177/07334648221118357 · Cited by 35 · see citing works
Ullal, A., Tauseef, M., Watkins, A., Juckett, L. A., Maxwell, C. A., Tate, J. A., Mion, L. C., & Sarkar, N. (2024) · International Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems · doi:10.1145/3613904.3642595 · Cited by 33 · see citing works
Social Connection is Essential in Long-Term Care Homes: Considerations During COVID-19 and Beyond
Bethell, J., O’Rourke, H. M., Eagleson, H., Gaetano, D., Hykaway, W., & McAiney, C. A. (2021) · Canadian Geriatrics Journal · doi:10.5770/cgj.24.488 · Cited by 32 · see citing works
Tackling poverty and social isolation using a smart rural development initiative
McGuire, R. G., Longo, A., & Sherry, E. S. (2021) · Journal of Rural Studies · doi:10.1016/j.jrurstud.2021.11.010 · Cited by 32 · see citing works
Loneliness is Associated With Lower Coping Self-Efficacy Among Older Adults
Lee, J. W., Nersesian, P. V., Suen, J. J., Cudjoe, T., Gill, J., Szanton, S. L., & Hladek, M. D. (2022) · Journal of Applied Gerontology · doi:10.1177/07334648221129858 · Cited by 33 · see citing works
Beauchet, O., Matskiv, J., Galéry, K., Goossens, L., Lafontaine, C., & Sawchuk, K. (2022) · Frontiers in Medicine · doi:10.3389/fmed.2022.969122 · Cited by 33 · see citing works
Home-Based Work and Ergonomics: Physical and Psychosocial Considerations
Reznik, J., Hungerford, C. L., Kornhaber, R. A., & Cleary, M. L. (2021) · Issues in Mental Health Nursing · doi:10.1080/01612840.2021.1875276 · Cited by 30 · see citing works
Jin, W., Liu, Y., Yuan, S., Bai, R., Li, X., & Bai, Z. (2021) · Frontiers in Psychology · doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2021.711030 · Cited by 30 · see citing works
How Elderly Residents in Nursing Homes Handle Loneliness—From the Nurses’ Perspective
Naik, M. P., & Ueland, V. I. (2020) · SAGE Open Nursing · doi:10.1177/2377960820980361 · Cited by 29 · see citing works
Wister, A., Fyffe, I., & O’Dea, E. (2021) · Systematic Reviews · doi:10.1186/s13643-021-01775-6 · Cited by 29 · see citing works
Thombs, B. D., Kwakkenbos, L., Carrier, M., Bourgeault, A., Tao, L., Harb, S. I., Gagarine, M., Rice, D. B., Bustamante, L., Ellis, K. M., et al. (2020) · Journal of Psychosomatic Research · doi:10.1016/j.jpsychores.2020.110132 · Cited by 29 · see citing works
Franke, T., Sims‐Gould, J., Lusina‐Furst, S., & McKay, H. A. (2020) · Activities Adaptation & Aging · doi:10.1080/01924788.2020.1845586 · Cited by 29 · see citing works
The (un)learning of social functions and its significance for mental health
Flechsenhar, A., Kanske, P., Krach, S., Korn, C. W., & Bertsch, K. (2022) · Clinical Psychology Review · doi:10.1016/j.cpr.2022.102204 · Cited by 27 · see citing works
Loneliness and Social Isolation in a Sample of Youth Hospitalized for Psychiatric Illness
McBride, S., & Preyde, M. (2020) · Child and Adolescent Social Work Journal · doi:10.1007/s10560-020-00723-y · Cited by 26 · see citing works
Longitudinal effects of choir singing on aging cognition and wellbeing: a two-year follow-up study
Pentikäinen, E., Kimppa, L., Pitkäniemi, A., Lahti, O., & Särkämö, T. (2023) · Frontiers in Human Neuroscience · doi:10.3389/fnhum.2023.1174574 · Cited by 26 · see citing works
Dewa, L. H., Lawrance, E., Roberts, L. F., Brooks-Hall, E., Ashrafian, H., Fontana, G., & Aylin, P. P. (2021) · Journal of Medical Internet Research · doi:10.2196/26584 · Cited by 30 · see citing works
Blake, L., Bray, L., & Carter, B. (2019) · Patient Education and Counseling · doi:10.1016/j.pec.2019.07.012 · Cited by 24 · see citing works
Lee, J. J., Park, M. K., Kim, N., Kim, L., & Kim, G. S. (2024) · Journal of the American Medical Directors Association · doi:10.1016/j.jamda.2024.105124 · Cited by 23 · see citing works
Impact of terrorist attacks on social relationships
Overmeire, R. V., Keer, R. V., & Bilsen, J. J. R. (2021) · Clinical Psychology & Psychotherapy · doi:10.1002/cpp.2587 · Cited by 22 · see citing works
Cognitive Functioning, Dependency, and Quality of Life Among Older Adults
Munawar, K., Fadzil, Z. U., Choudhry, F. R., & Kausar, R. (2023) · Activities Adaptation & Aging · doi:10.1080/01924788.2023.2193786 · Cited by 22 · see citing works
In-person interventions to reduce social isolation and loneliness: An evidence and gap map
Welch, V. A., Ghogomu, E. T., Dowling, S., Barbeau, V. I., Al‐Zubaidi, A. A. A., Beveridge, E., Bondok, M., Desai, P., Doyle, R., Huang, J. X., et al. (2024) · Campbell Systematic Reviews · doi:10.1002/cl2.1408 · Cited by 25 · see citing works
Electronic gambling machine harm in older women: a public health determinants perspective
McCarthy, S., Pitt, H., Bellringer, M., & Thomas, S. L. (2021) · Addiction Research & Theory · doi:10.1080/16066359.2021.1906864 · Cited by 23 · see citing works
Lawless, M., Archibald, M. M., de Plaza, M. A. P., Drioli‐Phillips, P., & Kitson, A. A. (2020) · JMIR Research Protocols · doi:10.2196/19834 · Cited by 21 · see citing works
Chamberlain, S. A., Savage, R., Bronskill, S. E., Griffith, L. E., Rochon, P. A., Batara, J., & Gruneir, A. (2023) · BMJ Open · doi:10.1136/bmjopen-2022-068769 · Cited by 21 · see citing works
Preventing Social Isolation: A Holistic Approach to Nursing Interventions
Gale, A. (2020) · Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services · doi:10.3928/02793695-20200616-03 · Cited by 24 · see citing works
Mahmud, A. A., Long, K. M., Harrington, K., Casey, K., Bhar, S. S., Curran, S., Hunter, K., & Lim, M. H. (2021) · International Journal of Human-Computer Interaction · doi:10.1080/10447318.2021.1949854 · Cited by 22 · see citing works
Characteristics of Socially Isolated Residents in Long-Term Care: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Chamberlain, S. A., Duggleby, W., Teaster, P. B., & Estabrooks, C. A. (2020) · Gerontology and Geriatric Medicine · doi:10.1177/2333721420975321 · Cited by 20 · see citing works
Ryu, S. I., Cho, B., Chang, S. J., Ko, H., Yi, Y. M., Noh, E.-Y., Cho, H. R., & Park, Y. (2021) · BMC Geriatrics · doi:10.1186/s12877-021-02214-w · Cited by 25 · see citing works
Hugs, Bible Study, and Speakeasies: Designing for Older Adults’ Multimodal Connectedness
Richards, O. K., Marcu, G. M., & Brewer, R. N. (2021) · Designing Interactive Systems Conference · doi:10.1145/3461778.3462075 · Cited by 21 · see citing works
Effect of Perceived Social Support on Self-care Agency and Loneliness Among Elderly Muslim People
Dural, G., Budak, F. K., Özdemir, A., & Gültekin, A. (2021) · Journal of Religion and Health · doi:10.1007/s10943-021-01377-5 · Cited by 19 · see citing works
Engel, L., Lee, Y. Y., Le, L. K., Lal, A., & Mihalopoulos, C. (2021) · Mental Health & Prevention · doi:10.1016/j.mhp.2021.200212 · Cited by 18 · see citing works
Campbell, M., Stewart, T. L., Brunkert, T., Campbell‐Enns, H. J., Gruneir, A., Halas, G., Hoben, M., Scott, E. L., Wagg, A., & Doupe, M. B. (2021) · PLoS ONE · doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0259387 · Cited by 19 · see citing works
Park, J., Jang, Y., Oh, H. Y., & Chi, I. (2022) · Research on Aging · doi:10.1177/01640275221098180 · Cited by 18 · see citing works
- Authors
- O’Rourke, H. M., Collins, L., & Sidani, S.
- Affiliations
- University of Alberta (CA)
- Toronto Metropolitan University (CA)
- Corresponding author
- O’Rourke, Hannah M.
- Venue
- BMC Geriatrics
- Published
- 2018-09-15
- Volume
- 18
- Issue
- 1
- Pages
- 214-214
- ISSN
- 1471-2318 (ISSN-L)
- PMC
- PMC6139173
- OpenAlex
- W2891167182
- Cited by
- 362
- References
- 78
- Citations by year
- 2026: 33 · 2025: 54 · 2024: 67 · 2023: 54 · 2022: 45 · 2021: 65 · 2020: 33 · 2019: 11
- FWCI
- 4.53
- Type
- journal article
- Language
- en
- Open access
- gold
- doi.org
- Licence
- Locations
- BMC Geriatrics (publishedVersion, cc-by)
- Europe PMC (PubMed Central) (publishedVersion, other-oa)
- PubMed Central (publishedVersion, cc-by)
- PubMed (publishedVersion)
- DOAJ (DOAJ: Directory of Open Access Journals) (submittedVersion, cc-by-sa)
- Funders
- Canadian Institutes of Health Research (Trainee funding)
- Topics
- Social Sciences › Health › Health disparities and outcomes
- Health Sciences › Medicine › Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health › Aging, Health, and Disability
- Social Sciences › Psychology › Neuropsychology and Physiological Psychology › Aging and Gerontology Research
- Keywords
- loneliness, social connectedness, older adults, intervention, social contact, group activities, purposeful activity, social networks, caregivers, intervention mechanisms
- MeSH terms
- Aged, Aged, 80 and over, Aging, Humans, Interpersonal Relations, Loneliness, Social Behavior, Social Support, Databases, Factual, Caregivers, Qualitative Research
About these checks
Registry, retraction, Cites and statistics results are computed, not judged, with one exception: a printed reference that no index lists is read once by a model before it counts as a citation error. Claims are extracted by a model and kept only when their quote appears verbatim in the text; each cited source is then checked, with a model’s help, for whether it says what the claim relies on. Those verdicts can be wrong — read the claim’s quote and the cited source before relying on one.
Statistics and arithmetic are recomputed, not judged.
Confidence bands are shown only for fields calibrated on our annotated test set. None is calibrated yet, so no band is shown.
What counts as a claim ›How we measure confidence ›How we check this ›
Are you an author, or do you see a problem with this page? Request a review
