To explore the definition and connotative characteristics of the concept of social isolation among the elderly in nursing homes.

The system retrieved relevant literature on social isolation among the elderly from databases such as PubMed,Web of Science,ScienceDirect,CNKI,SinoMed,WanFang Database,and VIP Database.Rodgers' evolutionary concept analysis was employed for the analysis.

A total of 39 articles were finally included.The manifestations of social isolation among the elderly in nursing homes included spatial isolation,interpersonal isolation,emotional isolation,event isolation,and ability isolation.The antecedent variables included demographic factors,health factors,social participation,and the length of residence in nursing homes.The outcome indicators of social isolation for the elderly in nursing homes were their impact on physical health,quality of life,cognitive ability,suicide rate and mortality.

The assessment of social isolation is an important indicators of the quality of life for the elderly.Defining social isolation of the elderly in nursing homes helps caregivers accurately identify and intervene in the occurrence and development of social isolation among the elderly.It could reduce the adverse effects of social isolation on the elderly,and provide decision-making references for the sustainable development of institutional elderly care and the formulation of elderly policies.