Senescence Seclusion Syndrome: Appraising the Efficacy of Current Interventions

The proportion of senior citizens in the global population has been on a steady rise, and the current population is forecasted to double in a few decades. Against this backdrop, the prevalence of senescence seclusion syndrome, characterized by prolonged social isolation in the elderly, is increasing concurrently. Given the profound threats this syndrome poses to the mental, physical, and social well-being of this vulnerable demographic, implementing effective interventions is imperative to mitigate these threats and enhance the quality of life. This review aims to assess the efficacy of the interventional modalities critically. Studies were reviewed following comprehensive searches in databases such as PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar, and focusing on empirical studies from 2019 to 2024 that evaluated the efficacy of the major intervention categories - social, technological, psychological, and physical interventions. The findings indicate that initiatives that promote consistent social engagement, such as community-organized social events and structured group activities, significantly reduced loneliness and bolstered social connections. Furthermore, technological interventions, including artificial intelligence and virtual reality, have notably enhanced elderly connectivity with their communities. Additionally, psychological interventions, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, have also been effective in alleviating symptoms of anxiety and depression associated with the syndrome, with group sessions enhancing social interaction and significantly diminishing isolation. Moreover, physical interventions involving group exercises and other activities have fostered improvements in the physical, mental, and social well-being of the elderly. This study underscores the importance of a multifaceted approach that is individualized according to preference and circumstance in addressing senescence seclusion syndrome.