Feeling Lonely, Isolated and Depressed. Older Adults’ Feelings in Long-term Term Facilities: A Scoping Review

• Published in: Journal of population ageing 2024-12, Vol.17 (4), p.861-914
• Main Authors: Sedlackova, Katerina Beji, Bartova, Alzbeta, Holmerova, Iva
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adults; Aging; Attention; Autonomy; Care plans; Collaboration; COVID-19; Decision making; Demography; Emotions; Geriatrics/Gerontology; Health services; Health status; Interdisciplinary aspects; Loneliness; Long term; Long term health care; Long-term care; Medical personnel; Medicine/Public Health; Mental depression; Mental health; Mental health services; Multidisciplinary teams; Nursing homes; Older people; Pandemics; Policy making; Public health; Quantitative analysis; Quantitative research; Reviews; Social interactions; Social isolation; Social networks; Social organization; Social Sciences; Sociodemographics; Sociology; Well being
• ISSN: 1874-7884; 1874-7876
• DOI: 10.1007/s12062-024-09463-8

Loneliness and social isolation, which are significant determinants of both mortality and illness, demand immediate attention. They are critical public health and policy subjects, particularly for older people in long-term care institutions. This review delves into the profound impact of these feelings, such as loneliness, depressive symptoms, and social isolation, on their overall well-being. The objective of this study is to present a comprehensive examination of the characteristics associated with these feelings among older people residing in long-term facilities, drawing attention to this frequently disregarded subject matter. Following PRISMA guidelines, a comprehensive scoping review of articles published between 2010 and 2023 was conducted. Six databases (CINAHL, PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Google Scholar, and Oxford Academic) were searched for relevant articles about loneliness in nursing homes and long-term facilities. The final review, a comprehensive examination of 71 qualitative and quantitative studies, has resulted in seven main themes: sociodemographic factors, physical and mental health well-being, social network, the COVID-19 pandemic, meaningful activities, and loss of autonomy. These findings provide a robust foundation for understanding and addressing loneliness and social isolation among older people in long-term facilities. This scoping review has highlighted six themes, providing evidence and incentive for you, as healthcare professionals, researchers, and policymakers, to take a leading role in promoting person-centred care and educating your peers about the consequences of loneliness and social isolation. It is crucial to involve family, friends, and other multidisciplinary team members in care planning and decision-making, emphasizing the importance of collaborative efforts. Most importantly, it would be best to empower older adults to maintain their autonomy, engage in enjoyable activities, and socialise with other service users.