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PROTOCOL: Friendly visiting by a volunteer for reducing loneliness and social isolation in older adults

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  • Jorien Laermans
  • Hans Scheers
  • Philippe Vandekerckhove
  • Emmy De Buck

Abstract

Loneliness and social isolation are reaching epidemic proportions in both children and adults, despite the increasing connectedness in our twenty‐first century world. As a growing number of studies reveal their detrimental impact on physical and mental health, identifying and investing in feasible and sustainable interventions to alleviate social isolation and feelings of loneliness is of prime importance. Friendly visiting, a befriending intervention whereby older persons are matched with someone who visits them on a regular basis, seems to be a realistic and sustainable option for providing social support. However, until this day, it remains unclear if friendly visiting by a volunteer is effective at reducing loneliness and social isolation. Therefore, this systematic review aims to answer the following research question: what is the effect of friendly visiting by a volunteer on feelings of loneliness and social isolation (primary outcomes) and wellbeing (i.e. life satisfaction, depressive symptom experiencing and mental health; secondary outcomes) in older adults? The results of this review may provide useful information to policy‐makers that are preparing to take on one the most challenging social issues facing our ageing society.

Suggested Citation

  • Jorien Laermans & Hans Scheers & Philippe Vandekerckhove & Emmy De Buck, 2020. "PROTOCOL: Friendly visiting by a volunteer for reducing loneliness and social isolation in older adults," Campbell Systematic Reviews, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 16(2), June.
    • Handle: RePEc:wly:camsys:v:16:y:2020:i:2:n:e1084
    DOI: 10.1002/cl2.1084
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    3. Paul Montgomery & Evan Mayo‐Wilson & Jane Dennis, 2008. "Personal Assistance for Older Adults (65+) Without Dementia," Campbell Systematic Reviews, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 4(1), pages 1-52.
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    1. Jorien Laermans & Hans Scheers & Philippe Vandekerckhove & Emmy De Buck, 2023. "Friendly visiting by a volunteer for reducing loneliness or social isolation in older adults: A systematic review," Campbell Systematic Reviews, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 19(4), December.

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