Combatting social isolation and increasing social participation of older adults through the use of technology: A systematic review of existing evidence. (19th July 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Baker, Steven; Warburton, Jeni; Waycott, Jenny; Batchelor, Frances; Hoang, Thuong; Dow, Briony; Ozanne, Elizabeth; Vetere, Frank
• Is Part Of: Australasian journal on ageing. Volume 37:Number 3(2018)
• Page Start: 184
• Page End: 193
• Publication Date: 2018-07-19
• Subjects: social isolation -- social participation -- technology; Older people -- Periodicals; Older people -- Australia -- Periodicals; Old age -- Periodicals; Geriatrics -- Periodicals; Gerontology -- Pacific Area -- Periodicals; 618.97
• DOI: 10.1111/ajag.12572
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1440-6381

Abstract

Abstract : Objectives: There are growing concerns that social isolation presents risks to older people's health and well‐being. Thus, the objective of the review was to explore how technology is currently being utilised to combat social isolation and increase social participation, hence improving social outcomes for older people. Methods: A systematic review of the literature was conducted across the social science and human‐computer interaction databases. Results: A total of 36 papers met the inclusion criteria and were analysed using a four‐step process. Findings were threefold, suggesting that: (i) technologies principally utilised social network services and touch‐screen technologies; (ii) social outcomes are often ill‐defined or not defined at all; and (iii) methodologies used to evaluate interventions were often limited and small‐scale. Conclusion: Results suggest a need for studies that examine new and innovative forms of technology, evaluated with rigorous methodologies, and drawing on clear definitions about how these technologies address social isolation/participation.