Loneliness and social networks of older adults in rural communities: a narrative synthesis systematic review

Abstract

IntroductionLoneliness has significant impacts on the health of older adults. Social networks help to improve psychosocial and quality of life outcomes among older adults. A fifth of older adults live in rural communities, where geographic isolation poses challenges to health. The dynamics of social networks of older adults in rural communities has not been explored.ObjectiveTo synthesize the literature related to loneliness and social networks of older adults in rural settings.MethodsA mixed-methods systematic review was conducted through searching six bibliographic databases to retrieve peer-reviewed literature with no time limits. We performed a methodological assessment of each study using a mixed method quality assessment tool. Findings are synthesized thematically.ResultsA total of 50 studies (32 quantitative, 15 qualitative, and 3 mixed methods) were included in this review. Studies were conducted in 17 different countries, the majority from China (n = 12), the UK (n = 9), and USA (n = 9). Findings revealed that social networks of older adults consist of family, friends and neighbors and continue to be developed through participation in various physical and social activities such as walking groups and participation in religious events. Social networks offer informational, functional, psychological and social support to older adults. Through their social networks, older adults feel socially connected and cared for. Successful interventions to improve social networks and address loneliness were those developed in groups or one-on-one with the older adults. The key ingredient to the positive impact of these interventions on reducing social isolation and loneliness was the formation of a social connection and regular engagement with the older adults. However, the review did not find any explicitly reported theory or model on which these interventions are based.ConclusionThe prevalence of loneliness among older adults in rural areas needs urgent attention. Social network theory and methods can help in developing interventions to address social isolation and loneliness among older adults in rural communities.

Linking Agricultural Activity Frequency to Loneliness in Rural Hospital Patients: A Cross-Sectional Study

“…The demographic analysis within our study population underscores a broader societal issue: the aging rural demographic, with a notable portion engaged in daily agricultural activities, is at heightened risk for social isolation [22,23]. This is particularly concerning given the projection of an increasing older population within rural areas, as previous articles have shown, emphasizing the global trend of aging populations, especially in rural settings [23,24].…”

“…These findings may indicate that engagement in frequent agricultural activities could lead to loneliness in communities due to a lack of social interaction. Alternatively, the results could suggest that people with higher levels of loneliness might engage in agricultural activities more frequently to mitigate their perception of loneliness [22]. Future studies should investigate the relationship between loneliness and the frequency of agricultural activities.…”

Is Formal Social Participation Associated with Cognitive Function in Middle-Aged and Older Adults? A Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis of Longitudinal Studies

“…Formal social participation may offer benefits for cognitive function due to a combination of factors, including mental [26] and physical stimuli [19] provided by these activities, as well as the social component that fosters the formation of long-lasting and diverse social networks [27,28]. Such networks may lead to increased social support [29], the adoption of healthy behaviors [12,30], or a more socially integrated lifestyle [31].…”

“…Additionally, it fosters the development of diverse and long-lasting social networks [27,28]. In turn, these networks may lead to increased social support [29], healthier behaviors [12,30], and a more socially integrated lifestyle [31], ultimately contributing to better cognition.…”

Health (Dis)equalities and Social Isolation and Loneliness in the Older People: A Qualitative Study

“…However, there is a noticeable discrepancy in participation opportunities between the different parishes in the municipality, as participants living in more rural areas report a greater need for the municipality to adopt new measures. In addition, evidence shows that individuals aging in rural areas face challenges in terms of health and well-being RIAGE -Revista Ibero-Americana da Gerontologia -Número 5 | junho de 2024 (Hussain et al, 2023), as they are subject to geographic isolation, limited public transport and restricted community services and are therefore unable to participate and socialize in the community, negatively influencing social activity (Hughes et al, 2019;Jones et al, 2023).…”