Social prescription for the elderly: a community-based scoping review

This scoping review aimed to identify the social prescription activities that exist for the elderly in a community context.

The increase in population ageing imposes the need to implement specific actions that guarantee elderly people the possibility of experiencing this phase with quality. The pandemic significantly exacerbated the needs of the elderly, leading to, regarding the loss of functional capacity, quality of life, well-being, mental health, and increased loneliness. Social prescription emerges as an innovative and non-clinical strategy, being a personalized approach that focuses on individual needs and objectives (Islam, ). By referring primary health care users to resources available in the community, obtaining non-medical support that can be used in conjunction with, or instead of, existing medical treatments (Chng et al., ).

A scoping review was conducted based on preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses, extension for scoping reviews (PRISMA-ScR). Searches were performed in electronic databases for potential studies: Scopus, PubMed, Medline, and Psychology and Behavioral Sciences Collection. Studies were included if they: (1) addressed social prescription interventions; (2) were community based; and (3) included elderly participants. Data extraction followed predefined criteria.

Of a total of 865 articles identified, nine were selected. The social prescription activities identified fall into eight main domains: arts, personal development, social interaction, physical activity, gardening, cultural activities, religious activities, and technological activities. The interventions resulted in improved well-being, enhanced quality of life, health promotion, and reduced isolation and loneliness. Social prescription, while innovative, is still an evolving intervention, which can respond to the needs of the elderly population, given the range of activities that may exist in the community. Primary care professionals must develop these interventions, establish a link between health and the community, respond to these needs, and promote healthy ageing.