Shelley McKibbon

Dalhousie University, Kellogg's (Canada)

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About

Shelley McKibbon is a leading researcher in gerontechnology and social gerontology, whose work addresses one of the most pressing challenges in aging populations: loneliness and social isolation in long-term care (LTC) homes. Her primary research areas include assistive technologies for older adults, social interaction in institutional settings, and evidence-based technology implementation in LTC. McKibbon’s major contributions center on charting the landscape of non-robotic assistive technologies that support social connection, as demonstrated in her highly cited 2021 scoping review (18 citations), which also advanced a formal definition of socially assistive technologies. Her foundational 2019 review (9 citations) established the methodological framework for this emerging field. By systematically mapping the literature, McKibbon has provided critical guidance for clinicians, policymakers, and technology developers seeking to combat loneliness among LTC residents. Her work has been instrumental in shifting the conversation from technology as a mere tool to technology as a facilitator of meaningful human interaction. For students and researchers entering this field, McKibbon’s research offers a rigorous, person-centered foundation for understanding how digital solutions can enhance quality of life in aging populations.