Why Loneliness Interventions Are Unsuccessful: A Call for Precision Health

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

Abstract

Background: Loneliness has drawn increasing attention over the past few decades due to rising recognition of its close connection with serious health issues, like dementia. Yet, researchers are failing to find solutions to alleviate the globally experienced burden of loneliness.

Purpose: This review aims to shed light on possible reasons for why interventions have been ineffective. We suggest new directions for research on loneliness as it relates to precision health, emerging technologies, digital phenotyping, and machine learning.

Results: Current loneliness interventions are unsuccessful due to (i) their inconsideration of loneliness as a heterogeneous construct and (ii) not being targeted at individuals’ needs and contexts. We propose a model for how loneliness interventions can move towards finding the right solution for the right person at the right time. Taking a precision health approach, we explore how transdisciplinary research can contribute to creating a more holistic picture of loneliness and shift interventions from treatment to prevention.

Conclusions: We urge the field to rethink metrics to account for diverse intra-individual experiences and trajectories of loneliness. Big data sharing and evolving technologies that emphasize human connection raise hope for realizing our model of precision health applied to loneliness. There is an urgent need for precise, integrated, and theory-driven interventions that focus on individuals’ needs and the subjective burden of loneliness in the ageing context.
Original languageEnglish
Article numbere200016
JournalAdvances in Geriatric Medicine and Research
Volume2
Issue number3
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 17 Jun 2020

Keywords

  • social isolation
  • healthy ageing
  • person-centered care
  • technology
  • intervention research
  • long-term care
  • dementia

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