There is insufficient evidence that the use of technology-based interventions is effective in addressing social isolation in older adults, across health, health cost, utilization and value, and social outcomes.
The findings below synthesize the results of the studies on technology-based interventions to address social isolation in older adults across three domains of measurement:
Among older adults between the ages of 50-80, 37% report experiencing loneliness and 34% report feeling socially isolated[1]. Social isolation is a deficiency of social ties and social contact with friends, family, and community. Loneliness is a subjective feeling of being alone. Individuals can spend time alone without experiencing the feeling of loneliness. Even if they are not socially isolated, persons who are lonely lack the feeling of being connected to individuals around them[2]. Older adults who identify as women, and older adults in poor health, experience loneliness at higher rates than other older adults[3]. Experiences that are common for older adults such as loss of a partner, declining health, and decreased independence and mobility are factors that contribute to an increased risk of social isolation and loneliness[4]. One study found that over a 30-year period, the most socially isolated Black men and women had more than double the risk of death from any cause compared to their least isolated peers. Among White men and women, the most socially isolated had 60% and 84% higher risks of death, respectively[5]. Black individuals experience more social isolation and less social engagement than other racial/ethnic groups[6]. Studies regarding the experience of social isolation and loneliness in the Hispanic/Latino population are not consistent[7].
In 2021, the Surgeon General issued a call to action to address the epidemic of isolation in older adults[8]. Studies show social isolation is associated with higher risks for health concerns such as falls, heart disease, anxiety/depression, suicide, cognitive decline, and all-cause mortality[9],[10],[11],[12],[13],[14].
Social isolation is associated with a higher likelihood of admission to the emergency room or a nursing home[15],[16]. Among Medicare beneficiaries, social isolation is associated with approximately $6.7 billion in annual additional health care costs as a direct result of poorer health outcomes[17].
Use of technology in older adults can support independence and connectedness especially during periods of social distancing or isolation. Technology to address social isolation can include mediums such as computers, cell phones, tablets, iPads, software, or websites[18]. Tools for addressing social isolation include various types of information and communication technologies (ICT) such as videoconferencing, internet‐based applications, and purpose‐designed applications[19]. To access these technology-based interventions, internet training is also deployed in order to increase technology-literacy of the older adult population for whom these interventions are designed[20]. Artificial intelligent virtual home assistants (VHAs), such as Amazon Echo and Google Nest are also technology-based interventions that have been studied in their association with social isolation in older adults. However, considerations around privacy and cost have been raised as a concern[21]. Through Access to Technology for Seniors and Persons with Disabilities, The California Department of Aging provides grants to counties in order to purchase digital devices, provide training, and improve technology infrastructure within communities. Foundations such as The Retirement Research Foundation are invested in financially supporting programs that utilize technology to support the wellbeing of older adults.
Older adults (≥ 50 years old) living in community and residential settings.
Technology interventions to improve social connectedness including ICT, videoconferencing, computer or internet training, telecare, social networking sites, and robotics.
Umbrella review of 21 articles.
Social: Technology interventions can improve social connectedness in older adults. ICT and videoconferencing showed the best results, followed by computer training. Social networking sites had mixed results, while robotics and augmented reality showed promising results but lacked sufficient data for conclusions. However, the overall quality of the studies was low, and the effectiveness of interventions varied depending on the study design.
Older adults (65–95 years old) experiencing social isolation and loneliness.
Use of commercially available artificial intelligent Virtual Home Assistants (VHAs), such as Amazon Echo and Google Nest, aimed at improving social connectedness and reducing loneliness.
Mini review of studies (primarily exploratory, retrospective, and descriptive in design).
Social: The studies showed that VHAs were perceived as "companions" by many older adults and were associated with improved perceptions of social connectedness and reduced loneliness. However, barriers to adoption included privacy concerns, ethical issues, and costs. Participants expressed a need for more training on the use of VHAs.
Older adults (at least 65 years) experiencing social isolation and loneliness.
Interventions aimed at reducing social isolation and loneliness, including cognitive behavioral therapy, exercise, music therapy, and technological interventions.
Systematic review and meta-analysis of 70 peer-reviewed RCTs with 8,259 participants. Studies measured loneliness and social isolation or support. Interventions in community settings mostly focused on social isolation, while those in long-term care settings primarily addressed loneliness. Study sizes ranged from eight to 741 participants.
Social: The effect size across most studies was small, and none of the studies addressing social isolation were significant. The overall quality of the evidence was deemed very low.
Older adults (≥ 65 years) with reduced mobility facing loneliness and social isolation.
Technology-supported interventions to help older adults overcome loneliness and social isolation. The interventions included computer and internet training, allowing access to communication technologies.
Systematic review of 25 studies.
Social: The interventions generally reported positive results in improving social interactions, primarily with friends and family. However, feasibility was the only outcome consistently reported across all studies. There was no conclusive evidence of effectiveness in reducing loneliness or social isolation.
Older adults with a mean age of 65 years, experiencing social isolation or loneliness.
Video call interventions aimed at reducing social isolation and loneliness. These interventions involved the use of the internet to facilitate video calls or video conferencing through computers, smartphones, or tablets.
Review of RCTs and quasi-RCTs, including cluster designs. Three cluster quasi-randomized trials with 201 participants were included.
Social: No studies reported social isolation outcomes. The review found uncertain evidence regarding the effectiveness of video call interventions to reduce loneliness, with no high-quality studies identified.
Older adults about 65 years of age.
Technology-based interventions aimed at reducing social isolation in older adults.
Systematic review of 25 articles using narrative analysis to identify themes and quality of life indicators connected to technology use and well-being.
Social: Technology use was linked to reduced social isolation by enhancing social connectivity and improving digital use self-efficacy, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Mobile applications helped older adults stay connected with family and provided access to healthcare resources, addressing cognitive, visual, and hearing needs.
Older adults age 65+ years.
ICTs aimed at reducing social isolation in older adults. The interventions studied included internet-based, telephone-based, and videoconferencing approaches.
Systematic review of 15 articles (including two RCTs).
Social: Positive impacts on social isolation were reported, though these were largely based on self-reported measures. The interventions appeared to improve social connectedness in older people, though these findings were not consistently supported by baseline measure changes.
[1] Gerlach LB, Solway ES, Malani PN. Social Isolation and Loneliness in Older Adults. JAMA. 2024;331(23):2058. doi:10.1001/jama.2024.3456
[2] Shields-Zeeman, L., Old, A., Adler, N. E., Gottlieb, L., & Pantell, M. (2021, January 27). The Center for Health and Community. Addressing Social Isolation and Loneliness: Lessons from around the World. | The Center for Health and Community. https://chc.ucsf.edu/publications/addressing-social-isolation-and-loneliness-lessons-around-world
[3] Gerlach LB, Solway ES, Malani PN. Social Isolation and Loneliness in Older Adults. JAMA. 2024;331(23):2058. doi:10.1001/jama.2024.3456
[4] Gerlach LB, Solway ES, Malani PN. Social Isolation and Loneliness in Older Adults. JAMA. 2024;331(23):2058. doi:10.1001/jama.2024.3456
[5] Alcaraz, Eddens, Blase, Diver, Patel, Teras, Stevens, Jacobs, Gapstur, Social Isolation and Mortality in US Black and White Men and Women, American Journal of Epidemiology, Volume 188, Issue 1, January 2019, Pages 102–109, https://doi.org/10.1093/aje/kwy231
[6] Kannan, V. D., & Veazie, P. J. (2023b). US trends in social isolation, social engagement, and companionship ⎯ nationally and by age, sex, race/ethnicity, family income, and work hours, 2003–2020. SSM - Population Health, 21, 101331. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ssmph.2022.101331
[7] Tibiriçá L, Jester DJ, Jeste DV. A systematic review of loneliness and social isolation among Hispanic/Latinx older adults in the United States. Psychiatry Res. 2022; 313:114568.
[8] Murthy VH. COVID-19 Pandemic Underscores the Need to Address Social Isolation and Loneliness. Public Health Reports. 2021;136(6):653-655.
[9] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Health Effects of Social Isolation and Loneliness. 2024. Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/social-connectedness/risk-factors/index.html. Accessed on March 19, 2025.
[10] Cené CW, Leng XI, Faraz K, et al. Social Isolation and Incident Heart Failure Hospitalization in Older Women: Women's Health Initiative Study Findings. J Am Heart Assoc. 2022; 11(5):e022907.
[11] Evans IEM, Martyr A, Collins R, et al. Social Isolation and Cognitive Function in Later Life: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. J Alzheimers Dis. 2019;70(s1):S119-S144.
[12] Falvey JR, Cohen AB, O'Leary JR, et al. Association of Social Isolation With Disability Burden and 1-Year Mortality Among Older Adults With Critical Illness. JAMA Intern Med. 2021; 181(11):1433-1439.
[13] Ida S, Murata K. Social Isolation of Older Adults with Diabetes. Gerontol Geriatr Med. 2022; 8:23337214221116232.
[14] Petersen N, König HH, Hajek A. The link between falls, social isolation and loneliness: A systematic review. Arch Gerontol Geriatr. 2020; 88:104020.
[15] Mosen DM, Banegas MP, Tucker-Seeley RD, et al. Social Isolation Associated with Future Health Care Utilization. Popul Health Manag. 2021; 24(3):333-337.
[16] National Institute of Aging. Loneliness and Social Isolation — Tips for Staying Connected. 2021. Available at: https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/loneliness-and-social-isolation-tips-staying-connected#:~:text=Social%20isolation%20is%20the%20lack,while%20being%20with%20other%20people. Accessed on February 14, 2023.
[17] Shields-Zeeman, L., Old, A., Adler, N. E., Gottlieb, L., & Pantell, M. (2021, January 27). The Center for Health and Community. Addressing Social Isolation and Loneliness: Lessons from around the World. | The Center for Health and Community. https://chc.ucsf.edu/publications/addressing-social-isolation-and-loneliness-lessons-around-world
[18] Sen, K., Prybutok, G., & Prybutok, V. (2022). The use of digital technology for social wellbeing reduces social isolation in older adults: A systematic review. SSM - Population Health, 17, 101020. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ssmph.2021.101020
[19] Todd, E., Bidstrup, B., & Mutch, A. (2022). Using information and communication technology learnings to alleviate social isolation for older people during periods of mandated isolation: A review. Australasian journal on ageing, 41(3), e227–e239. https://doi.org/10.1111/ajag.13041
[20] Ibarra, F., Baez, M., Cernuzzi, L., & Casati, F. (2020). A Systematic Review on Technology-Supported Interventions to Improve Old-Age Social Wellbeing: Loneliness, Social Isolation, and Connectedness. Journal of healthcare engineering, 2020, 2036842. https://doi.org/10.1155/2020/2036842
[21] Corbett, C. F., Wright, P. J., Jones, K., & Parmer, M. (2021). Voice-Activated Virtual Home Assistant Use and Social Isolation and Loneliness Among Older Adults: Mini Review. Frontiers in public health, 9, 742012. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpubh.2021.742012
