Better Together: Protocol for a Scoping Review of Randomized Controlled Trials of Group-Based Physical Activity for Social Health in Older Adults

Rates of social isolation and loneliness have increased dramatically among older adults, creating a growing public health concern with major implications for physical and mental well-being. As individuals age, factors such as retirement, bereavement, declining mobility, and chronic illnesses heighten the risk of developing poor social health. Research has linked poor social health to adverse outcomes including depression, cognitive decline, cardiovascular disease, and increased mortality. As the population ages, interventions to promote social engagement are urgently needed. Physical activity (PA) has been widely studied in older adults for its physical and mental health benefits. Emerging evidence suggests that group-based physical activity (GBPA) may be particularly promising for enhancing social health among older adults. To guide the development of future GBPA interventions to combat social isolation, loneliness, and other indicators of poor social health among older adults, it is essential to first explore and synthesize the existing evidence.