How do programmes use personal goals to help older adults build social connections?

Details

This rapid review examined how goal setting and goal attainment were put into practice in interventions aiming to promote social connection and reduce loneliness or social isolation among older adults. It also sought recurring components that could inform intervention design.

The researchers searched MEDLINE (via PubMed) and CINAHL (via EBSCOhost). They also screened reference lists of included studies for additional relevant studies.

Eligible studies involved adults aged 60 years or above, or populations the study authors defined as older adults. They had to evaluate interventions incorporating goal-setting or goal-attainment support to promote social connection or social participation, or reduce loneliness or social isolation. Quantitative, qualitative and mixed-methods studies were eligible. Observational studies without an intervention component, protocols without outcome data, conference abstracts and studies not published in English were excluded.

Data were extracted using a structured framework covering study characteristics, intervention context, goal-setting and goal-attainment support, delivery characteristics and relevant outcomes. Findings were synthesised thematically using an inductive-deductive approach. The recurring implementation components were then interpreted through the Reach, Effectiveness, Adoption, Implementation, Maintenance (RE-AIM) framework as an implementation-oriented lens.

Thirteen studies met the inclusion criteria. The thematic synthesis identified seven recurring implementation components of goal-setting support: structured and theory-informed approaches; relational facilitation and supportive accountability; ongoing monitoring, feedback and goal review; social accountability and group-based support; flexible delivery models and accessibility; meaningful, person-centred goals; and tailored support for individuals with complex needs.

These components appeared across diverse intervention settings, populations and delivery models. Interpretation through RE-AIM highlighted practical considerations concerning intervention reach, adoption, implementation, effectiveness and maintenance.

The review brings together how goal-setting support has been put into practice in interventions promoting social connection among older adults. Rather than identifying a single optimal approach, it describes seven recurring implementation components across diverse intervention contexts. The findings offer practical considerations for designing, adapting, implementing and evaluating future community-based and social prescribing interventions.