Social Isolation and Loneliness Among Older Adults in the UK: A Review

Abstract

This study conducted a critical systematic review of the literature, focusing on the causes, effects, and intervention strategies for social isolation and loneliness among older adults in the UK. Through a systematic review process, 766 articles were
initially identified and screened based on geographical focus, relevance, clarity and justification of the research design, quality of analysis and synthesis, and the robustness of the evidence. Of the 766 articles identified, 20 published between 2011 and 2021 met the inclusion criteria and were included in the final review. The findings revealed that loneliness and social isolation among older adults in the UK are driven by a range of interconnected factors, including life transitions and social bereavement, health-related problems, socioeconomic challenges, environmental and community factors, and demographic changes. The review also found that social isolation and loneliness are associated with adverse outcomes such as poor mental health, frailty, hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, and increased mortality. Identified intervention strategies include primary healthcare prevention,
community-based support, social prescribing programmes, and individual-focused interventions. Overall, the findings suggest that implementing appropriate and evidence-based intervention strategies can substantially reduce the impact of social
isolation and loneliness among older adults in the UK.