Supporting wellbeing of older people when shielding/isolating: a rapid summary

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Introduction

We conducted this rapid summary during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic to support organisations supporting older people who were being encouraged to stay at home.

Main points

How up to date is this evidence?

We carried out the searches for this rapid summary in 2020 and identified studies published between 2015 and 2019.

What we found

Four systematic reviews were identified. Most provided evidence from qualitative research and captured the perceptions of older people on quality of life, meaningful occupations and experience of technology.

Intervention studies on technology and mental wellbeing foundweak evidence for positive effects from online and electronic learning activities, telephone and internet communication. However, weak and limited evidence was identified for computer gaming.

Barriers and limitations to technology use identified in the literature included a lack of interest in ICT, concerns about impersonality, jargon, and complexity as well as limited time, finances, and access to computers

What this means

Actions for consideration by those involved in supporting older people include maintaining individual autonomy and control in decision making, occupational and social interactions are maintained and even strengthened, supporting positive solitude in activities,  explore ways for older people to maintain involvement in faith communities, support older people to use the internet, and ensuring they have access to money and resources.

Technical information

We carried out a search of academic databases and grey literature to identify and summarise research evidence to answer the following question:

How might the mental wellbeing of older people living in the community be supported when shielding and social distancing has been recommended for an extended period of time?