Activities for the prevention of loneliness of the older adults living in nursing homes
A systematic literature review
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.14528/snr.2023.57.3.3201Keywords:
loneliness, residential care, elderlyAbstract
Introduction: Loneliness is an international public healthcare issue. It causes painful and distressing feelings of emotional or social isolation and is related to mental health problems. Loneliness is often present in older adults, even in those living in nursing homes. In this review, we want to present activities aimed at reducing loneliness of the older adults in nursing homes.
Methods: A systematic literature review was conducted. Search with key words in the English language was conducted in international databases: PubMed, CINAHL, and SAGE. The search process and selection of included articles are presented in the flowchart. The included articles were critically evaluated using the Joanna Briggs Institutes tool and the collected data were analyzed using the method of thematic analysis.
Results: 20 articles were included in the final analysis. Main two themes were selected. The first theme "activities for loneliness prevention" reflects two subthemes: physical and social activities. The second theme "effects of activities on loneliness prevention" presents the physical, psychological, and social effects of activities on preventing loneliness.
Discussion and conclusion: The most effective activities for reducing loneliness are those that have been guided and directed: physical exercises, arts and crafts, gardening, debate clubs, laughter therapy and reminiscence therapy.
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