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 .
The psychosocial effects of a companion robot: a randomized controlled trial.
OBJECTIVES To investigate the psychosocial effects of the companion robot , Paro , in a rest home/hospital setting in comparison to a control group . DESIGN R and omized controlled trial . Residents were r and omized to the robot intervention group or a control group that attended normal activities instead of Paro sessions . Sessions took place twice a week for an hour over 12 weeks . Over the trial period , observations were conducted of residents ' social behavior when interacting as a group with the robot . As a comparison , observations were also conducted of all the residents during general activities when the resident dog was or was not present . SETTING A residential care facility in Auckl and , New Zeal and . PARTICIPANTS Forty residents in hospital and rest home care . MEASUREMENTS Residents completed a baseline measure assessing cognitive status , loneliness , depression , and quality of life . At follow-up , residents completed a question naire assessing loneliness , depression , and quality of life . During observations , behavior was noted and collated for instances of talking and stroking the dog/robot . RESULTS In comparison with the control group , residents who interacted with the robot had significant decreases in loneliness over the period of the trial . Both the resident dog and the seal robot made an impact on the social environment in comparison to when neither was present . Residents talked to and touched the robot significantly more than the resident dog . A greater number of residents were involved in discussion about the robot in comparison with the resident dog and conversation about the robot occurred more . CONCLUSION Paro is a positive addition to this environment and has benefits for older people in nursing home care .  Paro may be able to address some of the unmet needs of older people that a resident animal may not , particularly relating to loneliness
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 .