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Cited by 277Health disparities and outcomesAging, Health, and DisabilityAging and Gerontology Research

Interventions for Alleviating Loneliness among Older Persons: A Critical Review

Cohen-Mansfield, Jiska, Perach, Rotem·2015·American Journal of Health Promotion
DOI 10.4278/ajhp.130418-lit-182
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Abstract

Objectives.: Loneliness is common among older persons and has been associated with health and mental health risks. This systematic review examines the utility of loneliness interventions among older persons. Data Source.: Thirty-four intervention studies were used. Study Inclusion Criteria.: The study was conducted between 1996 and 2011, included a sample of older adults, implemented an intervention affecting loneliness or identified a situation that directly affected loneliness, included in its outcome measures the effects of the intervention or situation on loneliness levels or on loneliness-related measures (e.g., social interaction), and included in its analysis pretest-posttest comparisons. Data Extraction.: Studies were accessed using the databases PsycINFO, MEDLINE, ScienceDirect, AgeLine, PsycBOOKS, and Google Scholar for the years 1996–2011. Data Synthesis.: Interventions were classified based on population, format, and content and were evaluated for quality of design and efficacy. Results.: Twelve studies were effective in reducing loneliness according to the review criteria, and 15 were evaluated as potentially effective. The findings suggest that it is possible to reduce loneliness by using educational interventions focused on social networks maintenance and enhancement. Conclusions.: Multiple approaches show promise, although flawed design often prevents proper evaluation of efficacy. The value of specific therapy techniques in reducing loneliness is highlighted and warrants a wider investigation. Studies of special populations, such as the cognitively impaired, are also needed.

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  • The association between loneliness and posterior superior temporal sulcus size was not explained by social network size.

    “Notably, the association between loneliness and posterior superior temporal sulcus size was not explained by social network size (a common component of indices assessing objective social isolation).”

    From Loneliness and health in older adults: a mini-review and synthesis (2016) · cites this paper as [32]

  • Loneliness is linked to reduced gray matter density in left posterior superior temporal sulcus, a region involved in early stages of social perception.

    “another study found that loneliness is linked to reduced gray matter density in left posterior superior temporal sulcus, a region known to be involved in early stages of social perception, including eye gaze processing, hand action, and body movement coordination [32].”

    From Loneliness and health in older adults: a mini-review and synthesis (2016) · cites this paper as [32]

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Authors
Cohen-Mansfield, J., & Perach, R.
ORCID
Perach, Rotem
Venue
American Journal of Health Promotion
Publisher
SAGE Publications
Published
2015-01
Volume
29
Issue
3
Pages
e109-e125
ISSN
  • 0890-1171 (ISSN-L)
  • 2168-6602
DOI
10.4278/ajhp.130418-lit-182
OpenAlex
W2159852265
Cited by
277
References
81
Citations by year
2026: 15 · 2025: 25 · 2024: 30 · 2023: 28 · 2022: 29 · 2021: 43 · 2020: 38 · 2019: 24 · 2018: 16 · 2017: 15 · 2016: 6 · 2015: 7 · 2014: 1
FWCI
1.39
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
closed
Licence
journals.sagepub.com/page/policies/text-and-data-mining-license (tdm)
Locations
  • American Journal of Health Promotion (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
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, older adults, loneliness interventions, social networks, social interaction, educational intervention, intervention efficacy, mental health, cognitive impairment
MeSH terms
Aged, Aged, 80 and over, Health Education, Health Promotion, Humans, Loneliness, Social Isolation

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