Reducing loneliness amongst older people: a systematic search and narrative review

Hagan, Robert J.; Manktelow, Roger; Taylor, Brian J.; Mallett, John

doi:10.1080/13607863.2013.875122

Cited by 173 publications

(181 citation statements)

References 61 publications

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“…The problem of dementia and cognitive decline in China, therefore, may be exacerbated by their association with loneliness. Systematic reviews suggest that loneliness can be reduced with certain interventions, particularly those that address maladaptive social cognition 42, 43 . Hence, from the perspective of public health, the disease burden of dementia in China could be reduced through effective interventions aimed at preventing/reducing loneliness, especially chronic loneliness.…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Effects of Transient Versus Chronic Loneliness on Cognitive Function in Older Adults: Findings From the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey

Zhong

Chen

Conwell

2016

The American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry

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Objectives Loneliness is a risk factor for poor cognitive function in older adults (OAs), however, to date, no studies have explored whether transient and chronic loneliness have differential effects on OAs’ cognitive function. The present study evaluates the impacts of transient versus chronic loneliness on cognitive function in OAs. Design A 6-year follow-up cohort study. Setting Rural and urban communities of 23 provinces in China. Participants 2995 OAs who were cognitively healthy (the modified Mini-mental State Examination [mMMSE] ≥ 14) and completed the 2005, 2008 and 2011 waves of the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey. Measurements Self-report loneliness and mMMSE. Results Both transient (β=−0.389, t=−2.191, df=2994, P=0.029) and chronic loneliness (β=−0.640, t=−2.109, df=2994, P=0.035) were significantly associated with lower mMMSE scores six years later, net of potential confounding effects of baseline covariates. Sensitivity analyses found that regression coefficients of mMMSE scores on transient loneliness were statistically significant and relatively stable across samples with various levels of cognitive function. In contrast, coefficients of mMMSE scores on chronic loneliness were statistically significant only among samples with normal cognitive function and the absolute values of these coefficients increased with the degree of cognitive health of the analytic sample. In the sample with mMMSE≥21, the coefficient of chronic loneliness was 2.59 times as large as that of transient loneliness (−1.017 versus −0.392). Conclusions Both transient and chronic loneliness are significant predictors of cognitive decline in OAs. Relative to transient loneliness, chronic loneliness has more pronounced negative effects on the brain health of OAs.

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Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Effects of Transient Versus Chronic Loneliness on Cognitive Function in Older Adults: Findings From the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey

Zhong

Chen

Conwell

2016

The American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry

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“…No Aotearoa/New Zealand studies were found that tested the effectiveness of community‐based group programs, or individual telephone, mentoring or letter companion services aimed at ameliorating older adults’ loneliness. A systematic search of intervention research reported in 2014 found loneliness was significantly reduced in one, of nine, community‐based group intervention studies, one, of three, one‐to‐one mentoring studies, and three, of six, studies using new technologies including web‐based interventions and computer games 46. These results suggest that one‐to‐one interventions may be more likely to be effective.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Integrative review of older adult loneliness and social isolation in Aotearoa/New Zealand

et al. 2017

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ObjectiveTo conduct an integrative review of empirical studies of loneliness for older people in Aotearoa/New Zealand. Loneliness is a risk factor for older people's poor physical and cognitive health, serious illness and mortality. A national survey showed loneliness rates vary by gender and ethnicity.MethodsA systematic search of health and social science databases was conducted. Of 21 scrutinised articles, nine were eligible for inclusion and subjected to independent quality appraisal. One qualitative and eight quantitative research articles were selected.ResultsReported levels and rates of loneliness vary across age cohorts. Loneliness was significantly related to social isolation, living alone, depression, suicidal ideation, being female, being Māori and having a visual impairment. Qualitatively, older Korean immigrants experienced loneliness and social isolation, along with language and cultural differences.ConclusionAmongst older New Zealanders loneliness is commonly experienced by particular ethnic groups, highlighting a priority for targetted health and social services.

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“…Increased physical activity appears to be protective against loneliness; however, few interventions have incorporated elements of physical activity programs (Dahlberg & McKee, 2014; Hawkley et al, 2009; Luo et al, 2012). Various technologies (e.g., computers, tablets) have been used in research studies with promise (Hagan, Manktelow, Taylor, & Mallett, 2014), but costs and limited exposure to these technologies among older adults have limited their acceptance.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

The Impact of Loneliness on Quality of Life and Patient Satisfaction Among Older, Sicker Adults

Wang

Hawkins

Yeh

2015

Gerontology and Geriatric Medicine

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Objective: This study estimated prevalence rates of loneliness, identified characteristics associated with loneliness, and estimated the impact of loneliness on quality of life (QOL) and patient satisfaction. Method: Surveys were mailed to 15,500 adults eligible for care management programs. Loneliness was measured using the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) three-item scale, and QOL using Veteran’s RAND 12-item (VR-12) survey. Patient satisfaction was measured on a 10-point scale. Propensity weighted multivariate regression models were utilized to determine characteristics associated with loneliness as well as the impact of loneliness on QOL and patient satisfaction. Results: Among survey respondents (N = 3,765), 28% reported severe and 27% moderate loneliness. The strongest predictor of loneliness was depression. Physical and mental health components of QOL were significantly reduced by loneliness. Severe loneliness was associated with reduced patient satisfaction. Discussion: Almost 55% of these adults experienced loneliness, negatively affecting their QOL and satisfaction with medical services. Screening for loneliness may be warranted.

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Reducing loneliness amongst older people: a systematic search and narrative review

Abstract: Further research into interventions using new technologies to reduce loneliness in older people is recommended.

Cited by 173 publications

References 61 publications

Effects of Transient Versus Chronic Loneliness on Cognitive Function in Older Adults: Findings From the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey

Effects of Transient Versus Chronic Loneliness on Cognitive Function in Older Adults: Findings From the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey

Integrative review of older adult loneliness and social isolation in Aotearoa/New Zealand

The Impact of Loneliness on Quality of Life and Patient Satisfaction Among Older, Sicker Adults

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