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Social Isolation in Chinese Older Adults: Scoping Review for Age-Friendly Community Planning
M Anum Syed1, Lynn McDonald1, Corinne Smirle1
1Institute for Life Course & Aging,Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work,University of Toronto.
Summary
Social isolation and loneliness are significant concerns for Chinese older adults in Canada. Understanding community challenges is crucial for developing effective interventions and support systems.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Public Health
- Sociology
Background:
- Chinese older adults in Western societies face unique challenges to social participation.
- A fragmented understanding exists regarding their social isolation and loneliness.
- This review addresses the need for comprehensive knowledge in Canada.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe current knowledge on social isolation and loneliness in urban-dwelling Chinese older adults in Western societies.
- To inform future research, practice, and policy in Canada.
- To identify barriers and facilitators to social participation.
Main Methods:
- A scoping review was conducted.
- Nineteen articles meeting inclusion criteria were analyzed.
- The World Health Organization's age-friendly community framework was used for contextualization.
Main Results:
- Key issues identified include social participation, community support, housing, and access to information.
- Respect, social inclusion, outdoor spaces, and transportation were also significant factors.
- Barriers to social participation were evident across multiple domains.
Conclusions:
- Social isolation and loneliness are growing concerns for Chinese older adults in Canada.
- Further research is needed to determine the scope of the problem and effective interventions.
- An age-friendly community approach is essential for addressing these issues.