Comprehensive bibliometric integration of formal social support literature for elderly individuals

Purpose This study of bibliometric analysis aims to fill the gap in current research on formal social support for older adults, particularly focusing on their wellbeing and quality of life. The goal is to offer a clear overview of the academic progress in this area using a bibliometric approach. Design/methodology/approach The group of data sets containing publications up to December 2023 from Scopus was created to gather relevant information on formal social support for the elderly. This study uses both quantitative and qualitative methods to provide a historical overview of research trends. Bibliometric techniques were applied to identify key articles, authors, journals, organizations and countries that have contributed to this field. Findings The analysis shows the current state of research, emphasizing key contributors, important publications and emerging themes in ageing studies. Citation patterns and literature reviews played a crucial role in identifying the factors that influence the development of scholarly work on formal social support for the elderly. Practical implications This study offers valuable insights for policymakers and practitioners involved in designing and implementing programs and services for older adults. The identification of influential publications and prominent researchers can also facilitate knowledge translation and collaboration, ensuring that research findings are effectively disseminated and used in practice. Originality/value This research greatly improves the understanding of social support systems and their impact on the quality of life for elderly individuals, filling gaps in existing literature. It introduces a new perspective by integrating literature on formal social support, highlighting the importance of focusing on these systems and their implementation strategies for older adults. This study also sheds light on key contributors and emerging areas of interest in the field of ageing.