According to sufficiently reported outcomes , social capital interventions showed mixed effects on quality of life , well-being and self-perceived health and were generally ineffective on loneliness , mood and mortality .
Conclusions Our review highlights the lack of evidence and the diversity among trials , while supporting the potential of social capital interventions to reach comprehensive health effects in older adults
Background Observational studies show that social capital is a protective health factor .
Therefore , we aim to assess the currently unclear health impact of social capital interventions targeting older adults .
Effects of psychosocial group rehabilitation on health, use of health care services, and mortality of older persons suffering from loneliness: a randomized, controlled trial.
BACKGROUND Loneliness is a distressing feeling of a lack of satisfying human relationships . It is associated with poor quality of life , impaired health , and increased mortality among older individuals . The study aim was to determine the effects of new psychosocial group rehabilitation on the subjective health , use and costs of health services , and mortality of lonely older individuals . METHODS This r and omized , controlled trial was performed in seven day care centers . A total of 235 older people ( > 74 years ) suffering from loneliness participated . Intervention was implemented in 15 groups ( each with 7 - 8 participants and 2 professional group leaders ) meeting for 3 months altogether 12 times . Group intervention aim ed to empower elderly people , and to promote their peer support and social integration . Intervention was based on the effects of closed-group dynamics . The groups had the following activities according to the participants ' interests : ( a ) therapeutic writing and group psychotherapy , ( b ) group exercise and discussion s , and ( c ) art activities . Group leaders received thorough training and tutoring .  Subjective health , use and costs of health services , and mortality were measured . RESULTS At 2 years , survival was 97 % in the intervention group ( 95 % confidence interval [ CI ] , 91 - 99 ) and 90 % in the control group ( 95 % CI , 85 - 95 ) ( p = .047 ) . The intervention group showed a significant improvement in subjective health , thus result ing in significantly lower health care costs during the follow-up : the difference between the groups was -943 euro/person per y ( 95 % CI -1955 to -127 ; p = .039 ) . CONCLUSIONS Psychosocial group rehabilitation was associated with lower mortality and less use of health services
According to sufficiently reported outcomes , social capital interventions showed mixed effects on quality of life , well-being and self-perceived health and were generally ineffective on loneliness , mood and mortality .
Conclusions Our review highlights the lack of evidence and the diversity among trials , while supporting the potential of social capital interventions to reach comprehensive health effects in older adults
Background Observational studies show that social capital is a protective health factor .
Therefore , we aim to assess the currently unclear health impact of social capital interventions targeting older adults .