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

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

Loneliness 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.

Objective

To synthesize the literature related to loneliness and social networks of older adults in rural settings.

Methods

A 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 thema

SUBMITTER: Hussain B 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10225733 | biostudies-literature | 2023

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature