Terminology for “Elder Orphans” and Aging Well: Protocol for a Scoping Review

Abstract

Abstract Background Elder orphans have been described as a growing vulnerable population of isolated older adults with limited social and caregiving support. There is a lack of consistency in the terminology and definitions of elder orphans. This lack of consistency impedes research and implementation of services for elder orphans, who are predisposed to isolation, loneliness, unmet care needs, and a decline in health outcomes. It is imperative for elder orphans to plan for their health and well-being as they age in the community. Objective The objectives of the scoping review are (1) to document the definitions and settings surrounding terms used to describe elder orphans, (2) to explore the determinants of isolation and loneliness in elder orphans, and (3) to understand the barriers to and facilitators of planning to age well in elder orphans. Methods This review follows the JBI methodology for scoping reviews and the PRISMA-ScR (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Extension for Scoping Reviews) guidelines. The search strategy was first developed and piloted in the Scopus database on October 16, 2025, to identify initial articles on the topic. The following databases were searched: Scopus, MEDLINE ALL (Ovid), CINAHL Complete (EBSCOhost), APA PsycINFO (EBSCOhost), Social Work Abstracts (EBSCOhost), Web of Science (Clarivate), Sociological Abstracts (ProQuest), Sociology Database (ProQuest), and Applied Social Sciences Index & Abstracts (ASSIA; ProQuest). Gray literature was searched using Google (incognito) and ClinicalTrials.gov. Only literature in English was considered due to staff constraints. Two reviewers will screen and extract data independently using piloted screening and data extraction tools. Descriptive analysis will include narrative summaries, tables, and charts and deductive thematic analysis using appropriate frameworks. Results This protocol has been registered on the Open Science Framework. As of October 2026, the final search and abstract citation screening has been completed. We expect screening, data extraction, and synthesis to be completed by February 2027, with the manuscript of the scoping review submitted thereafter. Conclusions This review explores both peer-reviewed and gray literature using rigorous and reproducible methods. It will support researchers in streamlining future work on elder orphans and will identify directions for future research and services for elder orphans.