title: Smart technologies to enhance social connectedness in older people who live at home.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To examine the effectiveness of smart technologies in improving or maintaining the social connectedness of older people living at home.
  
  
  METHODS
  We conducted a systematic review and critical evaluation of research articles published between 2000 and 2013. Article screening, data extraction and quality assessment (using the Downs and Black checklist) were conducted by two independent researchers.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Eighteen publications were identified that evaluated the effect of smart technologies on dimensions of social connectedness. Fourteen studies reported positive outcomes in aspects such as social support, isolation and loneliness. There was emerging evidence that some technologies augmented the beneficial effects of more traditional aged-care services.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Smart technologies, such as tailored internet programs, may help older people better manage and understand various health conditions, resulting in subsequent improvements in aspects of social connectedness. Further research is required regarding how technological innovations could be promoted, marketed and implemented to benefit older people.
authors.affiliation: Department of Physiotherapy, School of Allied Health, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
authors.forename: Meg E
authors.initials: ME
authors.lastname: Morris
authors.forename: Brooke
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Adair
authors.forename: Elizabeth
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Ozanne
authors.forename: William
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Kurowski
authors.forename: Kimberly J
authors.initials: KJ
authors.lastname: Miller
authors.forename: Alan J
authors.initials: AJ
authors.lastname: Pearce
authors.forename: Nick
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Santamaria
authors.forename: Maureen
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Long
authors.forename: Cameron
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Ventura
authors.forename: Catherine M
authors.initials: CM
authors.lastname: Said
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D000375:Aging / Q000523:psychology*; D001292:Attitude to Computers; D040421:Cell Phone; D003201:Computers; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D057187:Independent Living / Q000523:psychology*; D020407:Internet; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D008132:Loneliness; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012934:Social Isolation; D012944:Social Support
keywords: aged; social connectivity; social isolation; social participation