Using Technology to Measure Older Adults' Social Networks for Health and Well-Being: A Scoping Review

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Digital Health
• Social Science Research

Background:

• Social networks significantly impact older adults' health and well-being.
• Technological advancements, including digital devices and mobile health (mHealth), enable richer data collection on social networks and health.
• Understanding technology's role in measuring social networks is crucial for improving care.

Purpose of the Study:

• To conduct a scoping review identifying and mapping the use of technology in measuring older adults' social networks.
• To explore how technology can be leveraged for health and social care interventions for the elderly.

Main Methods:

• Systematic literature search of multiple databases (PubMed, Sociological Abstracts, CINAHL, Web of Science) and conference proceedings.
• Inclusion criteria: English articles from 2004-2020, focused on improving older adult health/social care, using technology to measure social networks.
• Data extraction by two independent reviewers following Joanna Briggs Institute methodology.

Main Results:

• Eighteen studies were reviewed, predominantly pilot or simulation research from Europe.
• Technologies were categorized into environment-based, person-based, and data-based approaches.
• Focus was on older adults residing in community settings.

Conclusions:

• Technology offers objective, longitudinal data collection on older adults' social interactions and activities.
• The application of technology for measuring social networks in older adults is still in its early stages.
• Multidisciplinary collaboration is essential to address challenges and leverage technology for social isolation and care, particularly in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.