Social Isolation in Chinese Older Adults: Scoping Review for Age-Friendly Community Planning

Can J Aging. 2017 Jun;36(2):223-245. doi: 10.1017/S0714980817000101. Epub 2017 Apr 17.

Abstract

Chinese older adults may be at increased risk of social isolation and loneliness, and a fragmented understanding exists about the challenges they face for social participation in their neighbourhoods and communities. A scoping review was undertaken to describe the current knowledge on social isolation and loneliness in urban-dwelling Chinese older adults living in Western societies to inform future research, practice, and policy in Canada. Nineteen articles met the inclusion criteria. The World Health Organization's age-friendly community framework contextualized the study findings. Studies identified issues related to (1) social participation; (2) community support and health services; (3) housing; (4) community and information; (5) respect and social inclusion; (6) outdoor spaces and public buildings; (7) civic participation and employment; and (8) transportation. Social isolation and loneliness is a growing concern in this population in Canada, and additional research is needed to identify its scope and effective interventions.

Keywords: age-friendly; aging; ethnicity; ethnicité; examen de la portée; favorable aux aînés; scoping review; vieillissement.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Aging / ethnology*
  • Aging / psychology
  • Asian People / psychology*
  • Canada
  • Community Health Planning*
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Qualitative Research
  • Residence Characteristics
  • Social Adjustment
  • Social Isolation / psychology*
  • Surveys and Questionnaires