Older people's connectedness with people in the community in contemporary contexts: A concept analysis

Abstract

AbstractAimThis study aimed to clarify the concept of older people's connectedness with people in the community within the literature.MethodsThis study was based on Walker and Avant's concept analysis method. We used PubMed, MEDLINE, CINAHL, and Web of Science databases and included peer‐reviewed articles that were published in English between January 2010 and April 2023. After assessing eligibility and applying exclusion criteria, 25 articles were analyzed.ResultsAttributes included sense of belonging to the community achieved through interactions and feeling of togetherness through interrelationships, which consequently led to the maintenance of healthy physical and mental states and independent living, the acquisition of the ability to overcome difficulties, and the creation of a sense of meaning in life through coexistence.ConclusionWe identified the concept of older people's connectedness with people in the community in a contemporary context. Connectedness is a useful concept to consider in nursing care because it seems to evolve into comprehensive health, including the physical and psychosocial health of older adults.