Exploring the status of online social support for older adults with cancer: A scoping review

The number of new cancer cases among older adults is rising, yet their social support needs remain unmet due to diminishing social networks with age. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, online technologies have provided increased opportunities for social support for this demographic via digital platforms such as online peer support groups, online communities, and chat rooms. This scoping review explores the current state of the use of online social support for older adults with cancer.

This scoping review was based on the Arksey and O'Malley methodological framework with the extension proposed by Levac and colleagues. The protocol was registered on Open Science Framework (OSF). PubMed, Elsevier Embase (including Medline), and EBSCO CINAHL Complete were searched to identify eligible studies. The review findings were presented in a narrative synthesis.

Out of 6542 references, we included three studies. Two studies investigated older patients' preferences for different types of peer support through surveys and questionnaires, and the third examined the feasibility of an online platform for older women with breast cancer. Barriers identified include a lower interest and familiarity, sense of involvement, and emotional impact of a new diagnosis. However, factors such as socio-demographic characteristics and positive motivation for using online peer support act as facilitators.

This scoping review is the first to examine the literature on online social support specifically for older adults with cancer, revealing a paucity of research. Further research is required to understand the potential need and interest in online social support for this population, especially as technology becomes more integrated into daily life post-COVID.