Abstract
Aim: Social frailty (SF) is a multidimensional state of social vulnerability linked to adverse outcomes in older adults. Asia’s rapidly aging population poses challenges for health systems, particularly in addressing SF-related conditions. This scoping review aimed to describe existing SF interventions in Asian countries, assess evidence volume and characteristics, and identify research gaps.
Methods: A systematic search of eight databases (PubMed, Scopus, CINAHL, Embase, Web of Science, PsycINFO, Cochrane Library, Google Scholar) identified English-language studies published from January 2020 to September 2025. The review followed Arksey and O’Malley’s framework and PRISMA-ScR guidelines. Interventions were synthesized across the care continuum (prevention, reduction, management) and mapped to Bunt’s SF domains.
Results: Of 42 screened studies, six met inclusion criteria (Japan n=5; Singapore n=1): randomized controlled trials (n=2), non-randomized controlled (n=1), pre–post (n=1), cross-sectional (n=1), and longitudinal (n=1). All were community-based, delivered in person, and targeted prevention (n=2), reduction (n=3), or management (n=1). Mapping revealed strong coverage of general resources, mixed attention to social resources and behaviors, and weakest focus on basic social needs. Evidence was geographically concentrated, small, and heterogeneous, limiting generalizability.
Conclusion: SF interventions in Asia remain limited and urban-focused. Future research should emphasize upstream prevention, equity-oriented designs, multi-sector pathways, pragmatic trials, standardized measures, and longer follow-up to improve validity and transferability.
Notes
Extensive reference list included in attached slide deck.
Sigma Membership
Alpha Alpha
Type
Presentation
Format Type
Text-based Document
Study Design/Type
Other
Research Approach
Other
Keywords:
Public and Community Health, Health Equity or Social Determinants of Health, Policy and Advocacy, Older People, Elder Care, Social Factors, Social Isolation, Asia
Recommended Citation
Soberano, Julienne Ivan Dagondon and Montayre, Jed, "Social Frailty in Asia: A Scoping Review of Interventions, Gaps, and Priorities" (2026). International Nursing Research Congress (INRC). 297.
https://www.sigmarepository.org/inrc/2026/presentations_2026/297
Conference Name
37th International Nursing Research Congress
Conference Host
Sigma Theta Tau International
Conference Location
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Conference Year
2026
Rights Holder
All rights reserved by the author(s) and/or publisher(s) listed in this item record unless relinquished in whole or part by a rights notation or a Creative Commons License present in this item record. All permission requests should be directed accordingly and not to the Sigma Repository. All submitting authors or publishers have affirmed that when using material in their work where they do not own copyright, they have obtained permission of the copyright holder prior to submission and the rights holder has been acknowledged as necessary.
Review Type
Abstract Review Only: Reviewed by Event Host
Acquisition
Proxy-submission
Date of Issue
2026-09-24
Social Frailty in Asia: A Scoping Review of Interventions, Gaps, and Priorities
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Aim: Social frailty (SF) is a multidimensional state of social vulnerability linked to adverse outcomes in older adults. Asia’s rapidly aging population poses challenges for health systems, particularly in addressing SF-related conditions. This scoping review aimed to describe existing SF interventions in Asian countries, assess evidence volume and characteristics, and identify research gaps.
Methods: A systematic search of eight databases (PubMed, Scopus, CINAHL, Embase, Web of Science, PsycINFO, Cochrane Library, Google Scholar) identified English-language studies published from January 2020 to September 2025. The review followed Arksey and O’Malley’s framework and PRISMA-ScR guidelines. Interventions were synthesized across the care continuum (prevention, reduction, management) and mapped to Bunt’s SF domains.
Results: Of 42 screened studies, six met inclusion criteria (Japan n=5; Singapore n=1): randomized controlled trials (n=2), non-randomized controlled (n=1), pre–post (n=1), cross-sectional (n=1), and longitudinal (n=1). All were community-based, delivered in person, and targeted prevention (n=2), reduction (n=3), or management (n=1). Mapping revealed strong coverage of general resources, mixed attention to social resources and behaviors, and weakest focus on basic social needs. Evidence was geographically concentrated, small, and heterogeneous, limiting generalizability.
Conclusion: SF interventions in Asia remain limited and urban-focused. Future research should emphasize upstream prevention, equity-oriented designs, multi-sector pathways, pragmatic trials, standardized measures, and longer follow-up to improve validity and transferability.
Description
This scoping review analyzed six community-based interventions for social frailty among older adults in Asia (Japan n=5; Singapore n=1) published between 2020–2025. Interventions targeted prevention, reduction, and management, with strong coverage of general resources but minimal focus on basic social needs. Evidence remains limited, highlighting the need for equity-focused, multi-sector strategies.