Redefining social support : a scoping review of the effects of digital technologies on the social support of older workers
Tofan, Cristina Maria (Alexandru Ioan Cuza University of Iasi)
Ševčíková, Anna (Masaryk University)
Korkmaz Yaylagul, Nilufer (Akdeniz University)
Kulla, Gunilla (Western Norway University of Applied Sciences)
Yıldızer, Günay (Eskişehir Technical University)
Mercan, Murat Anil (Yildiz Technical University)
Barlın, Hande (Gebze Technical University)
Gu, Yang (University of Leicester)
Nilsson, Kerstin (Kristianstad University)
Grad, Diana Alecsandra (Babes-Bolyai University)
Gomes, João Rocha (University of Porto)
Spijker, Jeroen (Centre d'Estudis Demogràfics)
Centre d'Estudis Demogràfics

Data:	2026
Resum:	Introduction The rapid digitalisation of workplaces presents both challenges and opportunities for older workers. This scoping review examines how digital technologies impact social support for older workers, focusing on emotional, informational, and instrumental support within professional environments. While social support is critical for well-being and productivity in ageing workforces, the effects of digitalisation on social support dynamics remain insufficiently understood. Methods Following Joanna Briggs Institute and PRISMA-ScR guidelines, a comprehensive search strategy was conducted across databases like ERIH, Web of Science, Scopus, and PubMed from anytime to 2023 to identify peer-reviewed studies involving digital technologies used by older workers, generally considered as workers aged 50 years or older. Covidence software facilitated the screening of over 5000 scientific papers, study selection, and data extraction, and the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT) assessed quality. Findings were synthesized through descriptive statistics and narrative analysis. Results Forty-three studies met inclusion criteria. Digital technologies were found to enhance various forms of social support: remote work tools, messaging apps, and telemedicine platforms facilitated emotional connection and informational exchange. However, digitalisation also introduced barriers, some older workers reported isolation, reduced informal contact, and technostress, underscoring disparities in digital literacy and adaptation. Discussion Digitalisation exerts a dual impact on social support for older workers: it can strengthen professional connectedness yet also heighten vulnerability to stress and exclusion. Targeted digital literacy initiatives and sustained managerial engagement are crucial to ensure that technology enhances, rather than undermines, well-being and productivity among ageing employees.
Nota:	Altres ajuts: project CA21107 Work Inequalities in Later Life Redefined by Digitalisation (DIGI-net) supported by COST ACTION ; Research of Excellence on Digital Technologies and Wellbeing CZ.02.01.01/00/22_008/0004583
Drets:	Aquest document està subjecte a una llicència d'ús Creative Commons. Es permet la reproducció total o parcial, la distribució, i la comunicació pública de l'obra, sempre que no sigui amb finalitats comercials, i sempre que es reconegui l'autoria de l'obra original. No es permet la creació d'obres derivades.
Llengua:	Anglès
Document:	Article ; recerca ; Versió publicada
Matèria:	Digital technologies ; Digitalisation ; Health ; Older workers ; Social support
Publicat a:	BMC public health, Vol. 26, Num. 542 (2026) , ISSN 1471-2458

DOI: 10.1186/s12889-025-26155-w

21 p, 2.2 MB

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Documents de recerca > Documents dels grups de recerca de la UAB > Centres i grups de recerca (producció científica) > Ciències socials i jurídiques > Centre d’Estudis Demogràfics (CED-CERCA)
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