Online Social Networking and Mental Health among Older Adults: A Scoping Review

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-14
Author(s):  
Erica Chen ◽  
Devin Wood ◽  
Renate Ysseldyk
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Life Satisfaction ◽  
Social Networking ◽  
Social Isolation ◽  
Scoping Review ◽  
Treatment Options ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Alternative Methods ◽  
Online Social Networking

Abstract As the number of older adults is expected to increase exponentially within the next few decades, loneliness, social isolation, and depression among seniors are growing public health concerns. Although formal treatment options, such as therapy and medication, can be helpful for depression, they can also be expensive and sometimes ineffective. It is therefore important to consider other potential treatment options and social interventions. Alternative methods for addressing mental health issues are especially important for older adults, as they may encounter barriers associated with aging such as limited mobility and decreased social networks. In these circumstances, online social networking may offer a potential “social cure” to alleviate loneliness, social isolation, and depression. The purpose of this scoping review was to gather and summarize the current literature on associations between online social networking and mental health outcomes (e.g., depression, life satisfaction, loneliness) among older adults. An initial search of 3,699 articles resulted in 52 articles that met criteria for inclusion. Five common themes were identified: (1) enhanced communication with family and friends, (2) greater independence and self-efficacy, (3) creation of online communities, (4) positive associations with well-being and life satisfaction, and (5) decreased depressive symptoms. Implications for older adults’ mental health, social connectedness, programs and policies are discussed.

CONSPICUOUS CONSUMPTION OF ONLINE SOCIAL NETWORKING DEVICES AND SUBJECTIVE WELL-BEING OF BANGKOKIANS

2017 ◽  
Vol 64 (05) ◽  
pp. 1371-1395
Author(s):  
CHANTAL HERBERHOLZ ◽  
NATTAYA PRAPAIPANICH
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Social Networking ◽  
Life Experiences ◽  
Conspicuous Consumption ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Online Social Networking ◽  
Subjective Well Being ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Material Goods ◽  
Consumption Theory

Empirical evidence of the conspicuous consumption theory is limited and ambiguous. It has been shown, however, that the consumption of life experiences makes people happier than the consumption of material goods. Yet, these studies typically conduct dichotomous comparisons and do not distinguish between conspicuous and inconspicuous consumption. Conspicuous and inconspicuous online social networking devices (OSND) are experiential goods and as such fall between life experiences and material goods. The objective of this paper, thus, is to examine the relationship between conspicuous consumption of OSND and subjective well-being, which is proxied by happiness and mental health. Cross-sectional data ([Formula: see text]) were collected in 2015 using probability sampling. The ordered logistic regression results reveal that conspicuous consumption of OSND is negatively related with happiness and mental health in all regressions as hypothesized, while the coefficient on inconspicuous consumption of OSND is positive. Also, the number of virtual friends is negatively associated with happiness. Among the control variables, it is noteworthy that respondents with high blood pressure, used to capture physical health, have lower happiness and mental health, while respondents with higher education and high own monthly income exhibit higher happiness and mental health. Respondents, whose personality can best be characterized as “agreeable”, have lower happiness and mental health which is in line with the old saying that “nice guys finish last”.

scholarly journals Dog Park Membership and Life Satisfaction Among Older Adults

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 867-867
Author(s):  
Betz King ◽  
Adam Duberstein ◽  
McGlinn Maureen
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Life Satisfaction ◽  
Physical Health ◽  
Satisfaction With Life ◽  
Health Benefits ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Total Respondent ◽  
Dog Parks ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Dog park members initially join and attend dog parks for the wellbeing of their dogs, but often experience their own biopsychosocial benefits. This mixed methodology (Quantitative n=44, Qualitative n=11) ) pilot study utilized qualitative heuristic interviewing (Moustakas, C., 1990) and the Satisfaction with Life Survey (Pavot, W., & Diener, E. 2013). Data gathered from interviews and surveys administered to participants of a members-only dog-park indicate a high satisfaction with life. Members 60 years and older reported feelings of life satisfaction almost 7 points over the total respondent average, placing them in the “highly satisfied” range. All members experience the dog-park as a supportive social environment that benefits their physical health, mental health and the well-being of their canine companions. Five qualitative themes were identified: Canine Well-being, Community, Mental Health Benefits, Physical Health Benefits and Fights, Falls & Frustrations. These findings demonstrate the need for more research into the impact and importance of pet ownership, community dog parks and outdoor green spaces on older adults and life satisfaction.

scholarly journals 535 - Loneliness and social isolation in attendees of a Psychiatry of Old Age Service in the North West of Ireland: preliminary findings of a cross-sectional study during the COVID- 19 pandemic.

2021 ◽  
Vol 33 (S1) ◽  
pp. 79-80
Author(s):  
Clodagh Rushe ◽  
Kevin Bernadette ◽  
Ericka Maye ◽  
Sweeney Gavin ◽  
McLaughlin Kevin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Social Isolation ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
North West ◽  
The North ◽  
Socially Isolated ◽  
West Of Ireland

Aims and HypothesisThe primary aim is to establish the prevalence of loneliness and social isolation in older adults referred to a Psychiatry of Old-Age Service in the North-West of Ireland. Secondary aims include exploring associations between loneliness, social isolation and, well-being, depression, cognition and health- status. The overarching aim was to improve patient outcomes by tailoring mental health and social interventions appropriate to patient need.BackgroundLoneliness is a discrepancy between the social-relations one has and their desired level. It is estimated that one third of older adults will experience loneliness, which along with social isolation has links to poorer health-outcomes, reduced quality of life and cognitive decline. Government advice in Ireland to reduce social activity due to COVID-19 pandemic may compound social disconnection. We present preliminary findings of an ongoing study investigating loneliness, social isolation and related factors in older adults referred to a Mental-Health Service in the North-West of Ireland in 2020 - 2021.MethodsUsing a cross-sectional study design, participants completed University of California, Los-Angeles(UCLA) Loneliness Scale (UCLA maximum score =10); and Berkman-Syme Social Network Index. Quality of life is measured using WHO-Well-being Index(WHO-5) with a number of relevant personal, clinical and social factors also captured.ResultsData from 98 questionnaires (January 2020- May 2021), 52% female, showed average participant age was 74.4 years. Average perceived loneliness score was 3.67 and 85.7%, (n=84) reported some loneliness (UCLA >0) with 2% (n=2) reporting high loneliness levels (UCLA =10). The majority, 77.5% (n=76) were socially isolated; 35.7% (n=35) ‘mostly isolated’, 41.8% (n=41) ‘moderately isolated’. Females were noted to be more isolated.ConclusionsPreliminary results illustrate majority of older adults referred to a mental-health service over a time- period spanning COVID-19 pandemic are lonely and socially isolated. This is likely compounded by changes to daily routines during COVID-19 pandemic. This is concerning given the adverse health implications. We hope final results will guide enhancement of clinical-care through linkage of mental- health services with community agencies, social-care supports and e-health technologies.

scholarly journals Promoting Social Connection and Deepening Relations Among Older Adults: Design and Qualitative Evaluation of Media Parcels

10.2196/14112 ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 21 (10) ◽  
pp. e14112 ◽  
Author(s):  
Isabela Zaine ◽  
David Mark Frohlich ◽  
Kamila Rios Da Hora Rodrigues ◽  
Bruna Carolina Rodrigues Cunha ◽  
Alex Fernando Orlando ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Social Networking ◽  
Social Isolation ◽  
Qualitative Evaluation ◽  
Well Being ◽  
The Other ◽  
Social Connections ◽  
Social Connection ◽  
Friendship Group ◽  
Short Period

Background Being socially connected is related to well-being, and one way of avoiding social isolation is to deepen existing relationships. Even though existing relationships can be reinforced by regular and meaningful communication, state-of-the-art communication technologies alone do not increase the quality of social connections. Thus, there is a need for the involvement of a trained human facilitator in a network of older adults, preferably for a short period, to promote the deepening of their relationships. Objective This study aimed to evaluate the hypothesis that a human-facilitated, media-sharing social networking system can improve social connection in a small group of older people, who are more vulnerable to social isolation than most, and deepen their relationships over a period of a few weeks. Methods We conducted the design and evaluation of Media Parcels, a novel human-facilitated social networking system. Media Parcels is based on the metaphor of a facilitator collecting and delivering parcels in the physical mail. Extending the metaphor, the system supports a facilitator in designing time-based dialogue requesting parcels from participants that bring out their memories and feelings, in collecting the parcels, wrapping them in annotations that communicate the corresponding requests, and delivering the wrapped parcel to a target person. Qualitative evaluation was carried out in two trials with a group of three people each, one with family members (children and father; aged 55, 56, and 82 years old) and the other with a group of friends (aged 72, 72, and 74 years old), over two weeks. In each trial, data were collected in three interviews (pre-, mid-, and posttrial) and via system logging. Results Collected data indicate positive social effects for deepening and developing relationships. The parcel metaphor was easily understood and the computational system was readily adopted. Preferences with regard to media production or consumption varied among participants. In the family group, children preferred receiving media parcels (because of their sentimental value) to producing them, whereas the father enjoyed both. In the friendship group, preferences varied: one friend enjoyed both producing and receiving, while the other two preferred one over the other. In general, participants reported a preference for the production of items of a certain type depending on the associated content. Apart from having a strong engagement with the system, participants reported feeling closer to each other than usual. Conclusions For both groups, Media Parcels was effective in promoting media sharing and social connections, resulting in the deepening of existing relationships. Its design informs researchers who are attempting to promote social connection in older adults.

scholarly journals Promoting Social Connection and Deepening Relations Among Older Adults: Design and Qualitative Evaluation of Media Parcels (Preprint)

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Isabela Zaine ◽  
David Mark Frohlich ◽  
Kamila Rios Da Hora Rodrigues ◽  
Bruna Carolina Rodrigues Cunha ◽  
Alex Fernando Orlando ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Social Networking ◽  
Social Isolation ◽  
Qualitative Evaluation ◽  
Well Being ◽  
The Other ◽  
Social Connections ◽  
Social Connection ◽  
Friendship Group ◽  
Short Period

BACKGROUND Being socially connected is related to well-being, and one way of avoiding social isolation is to deepen existing relationships. Even though existing relationships can be reinforced by regular and meaningful communication, state-of-the-art communication technologies alone do not increase the quality of social connections. Thus, there is a need for the involvement of a trained human facilitator in a network of older adults, preferably for a short period, to promote the deepening of their relationships. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to evaluate the hypothesis that a human-facilitated, media-sharing social networking system can improve social connection in a small group of older people, who are more vulnerable to social isolation than most, and deepen their relationships over a period of a few weeks. METHODS We conducted the design and evaluation of <italic>Media Parcels</italic>, a novel human-facilitated social networking system. <italic>Media Parcels</italic> is based on the metaphor of a facilitator collecting and delivering parcels in the physical mail. Extending the metaphor, the system supports a facilitator in designing time-based dialogue requesting parcels from participants that bring out their memories and feelings, in collecting the parcels, wrapping them in annotations that communicate the corresponding requests, and delivering the wrapped parcel to a target person. Qualitative evaluation was carried out in two trials with a group of three people each, one with family members (children and father; aged 55, 56, and 82 years old) and the other with a group of friends (aged 72, 72, and 74 years old), over two weeks. In each trial, data were collected in three interviews (pre-, mid-, and posttrial) and via system logging. RESULTS Collected data indicate positive social effects for deepening and developing relationships. The parcel metaphor was easily understood and the computational system was readily adopted. Preferences with regard to media production or consumption varied among participants. In the family group, children preferred receiving media parcels (because of their sentimental value) to producing them, whereas the father enjoyed both. In the friendship group, preferences varied: one friend enjoyed both producing and receiving, while the other two preferred one over the other. In general, participants reported a preference for the production of items of a certain type depending on the associated content. Apart from having a strong engagement with the system, participants reported feeling closer to each other than usual. CONCLUSIONS For both groups, <italic>Media Parcels</italic> was effective in promoting media sharing and social connections, resulting in the deepening of existing relationships. Its design informs researchers who are attempting to promote social connection in older adults.

scholarly journals The 4Ms in a Pandemic: A Survey of Training Needs Among Healthcare Professionals, Older Adults, and Community Members

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 828-829
Author(s):  
Jennifer Crittenden ◽  
Abigail Elwell ◽  
David Wihry ◽  
Lenard Kaye
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Social Isolation ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Training Needs ◽  
Two Dimensions ◽  
Grief And Loss ◽  
Community Members ◽  
The University ◽  
Health And Well Being

Abstract The University of New England, in collaboration with the University of Maine, received a five-year grant from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) to improve the health and well-being of Maine’s older adults through enhanced training under HRSA’s Geriatrics Workforce Enhancement Program (GWEP). As part of these efforts, stakeholder training needs assessment data were collected via a statewide electronic survey that was distributed to community members and providers throughout Maine. The survey, which focused on the 4M’s of Age-Friendly Healthcare, received 68 responses from older adults/community members (N = 26), program administrators (N = 12), along with community leaders, and those working in the public and non-profit sector (N = 13). A significant emphasis on social isolation, mental health, and grief and loss issues was noted and dominating themes centering on two dimensions of the 4M framework: “What Matters” and “Mentation.” Findings reflect an overriding priority by providers and consumers to keep older adults socially connected (28%, N = 34) and maintaining mental health and well-being during the pandemic (21%, N = 14). Qualitative response analysis identified additional COVID-19-related training topics such as: what to do if you or a loved one contracts coronavirus, how to handle grief and loss related to COVID-19, strategies for supporting loved ones during COVID-19, and socially distanced bereavement support. Results indicate a need to focus on meeting the emotional and mental health needs of older adults, as well as the importance of encouraging connections and mitigating the effects of social isolation during COVID-19.

scholarly journals Solitary Day, Solitary Activities, and Associations With Well-Being Among Older Adults

2019 ◽  
Vol 75 (7) ◽  
pp. 1585-1596 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jack Lam ◽  
Joan García-Román
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Life Satisfaction ◽  
Social Isolation ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Activity Level ◽  
Theory Of Aging ◽  
Individual Covariates ◽  
Sizable Proportion ◽  
Lower Life Satisfaction ◽  
Time Use Surveys

Abstract Objectives Drawing on activity theory of aging, we examined whether solitary activities may be associated with negative well-being, as they may reflect social isolation. Using American Time Use Surveys, with information on “with whom” individuals engaged in activities over a 24 hr period, we created measures capturing solitary days and solitary activities to understand their prevalence and associations with well-being. Methods At the daily level, we examined associations between solitary days and proportion of the day in solitary activities with life satisfaction. At the activity level, we examined associations between engaging in an activity alone versus with others and emotional state during the activity. Results Solitary days and higher proportion of the day spent in solitary activities were associated with lower life satisfaction. These associations were attenuated controlling for individual covariates. Engagement in activities alone was associated with lower levels of happiness and higher levels of sadness and pain during the activity, and association with happiness remained even adjusting for covariates. Discussion A sizable proportion of older adults reported solitary days, and proportion of the day spent in solitary activities increases by age. Examining lived experiences of older adults and presence of others during activities could contribute to research on social isolation.

Addressing COVID-19 Worry and Social Isolation in Home-Based Primary Care

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rachel Elizabeth Weiskittle ◽  
Michelle Mlinac ◽  
LICSW Nicole Downing
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Primary Care ◽  
Social Workers ◽  
Social Isolation ◽  
Mental Health Providers ◽  
Health Providers ◽  
Home Based Primary Care ◽  
Home Based ◽  
Socially Isolated

Social distancing measures following the outbreak of COVID-19 have led to a rapid shift to virtual and telephone care. Social workers and mental health providers in VA home-based primary care (HBPC) teams face challenges providing psychosocial support to their homebound, medically complex, socially isolated patient population who are high risk for poor health outcomes related to COVID-19. We developed and disseminated an 8-week telephone or virtual group intervention for front-line HBPC social workers and mental health providers to use with socially isolated, medically complex older adults. The intervention draws on skills from evidence-based psychotherapies for older adults including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, and Problem-Solving Therapy. The manual was disseminated to VA HBPC clinicians and geriatrics providers across the United States in March 2020 for expeditious implementation. Eighteen HBPC teams and three VA Primary Care teams reported immediate delivery of a local virtual or telephone group using the manual. In this paper we describe the manual’s development and clinical recommendations for its application across geriatric care settings. Future evaluation will identify ways to meet longer-term social isolation and evolving mental health needs for this patient population as the pandemic continues.

Supporting the Mental Health and Well-Being of First Responders from Career to Retirement: A Scoping Review

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-6
Author(s):  
Erin Smith ◽  
Greg Dean ◽  
Lisa Holmes
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Scoping Review ◽  
Help Seeking ◽  
First Responders ◽  
Well Being ◽  
First Responder ◽  
Help Seeking Behaviors ◽  
Holistic Approaches ◽  
Pubmed Database ◽  
Health And Well Being

Abstract Introduction: First responders are at greater risk of mental ill health and compromised well-being compared to the general population. It is important to identify strategies that will be effective in supporting mental health, both during and after the first responder’s career. Methods: A scoping review was conducted using the PubMed database (1966 to October 1, 2020) and the Google Scholar database (October 1, 2020) using relevant search terms, truncation symbols, and Boolean combination functions. The reference lists of all relevant publications were also reviewed to identify further publications. Results: A total of 172 publications were retrieved by the combined search strategies. Of these, 56 met the inclusion criteria and informed the results of this overview paper. These publications identified that strategies supporting first responder mental health and well-being need to break down stigma and build resilience. Normalizing conversations around mental health is integral for increasing help-seeking behaviors, both during a first responder’s career and in retirement. Organizations should consider the implementation of both pre-retirement and post-retirement support strategies to improve mental health and well-being. Conclusion: Strategies for supporting mental health and well-being need to be implemented early in the first responder career and reinforced throughout and into retirement. They should utilize holistic approaches which encourage “reaching in” rather than placing an onus on first responders to “reach out” when they are in crisis.

Out of tune: Perceptions of, engagement with, and responses to mental health interventions by professional popular musicians—A scoping review

2021 ◽  
pp. 030573562110194
Author(s):  
Amy Visser ◽  
Megan Lee ◽  
Timothy Barringham ◽  
Nasim Salehi
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Scoping Review ◽  
Distinct Group ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Health Interventions ◽  
Therapeutic Approaches ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Mental Health Interventions ◽  
Industry Peers

Professional popular musicians are at increased risk of psychological distress, substance use problems, and suicide, yet little evidence is available on effective psychotherapeutic practices to address these issues. This scoping review aims to understand how professional popular musicians perceive, engage with, and respond to mental health interventions. Four databases were searched, garnering a total of 310 articles. Of these, six met inclusion criteria. Four thematic categories were explored: (1) amenability of professional popular musicians to particular therapeutic approaches; (2) attribution of treatment outcomes to tailored approaches; (3) professional popular musicians’ perceived barriers to treatment; and (4) recommendations for treatment approaches. The scoping review supports the importance of considering the characteristics of professional popular musicians as a distinct group with unique well-being needs, challenges, and strengths. There is a clear preference for tailored, affordable, and accessible approaches that consider the uniquities of musicianship and the need to explore the role of nonclinical support, such as friends, family, and industry peers.

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