A Virtual Companionship Intervention Reduces Loneliness During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract Loneliness and social isolation are established risk factors for many clinical conditions yet few scalable interventions exist. Papa Inc. is a national service that pairs older adults with “Papa Pals” (empathetic, laypeople) who provide companionship and assistance with everyday tasks. Participants have free access if their Medicare Advantage plan offers it. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Papa provided virtual companionship visits via telephone or video. This study evaluated the impact of virtual companionship visits on loneliness status (UCLA 3-item Loneliness Scale) during the COVID-19 pandemic. The sample (N=894) included adults ages 65+ who identified as lonely at baseline and who completed at least one virtual visit between March 18, 2020 and December 31, 2020. Virtual visits were classified into four categories based on participants’ total number of visit minutes: Low (124 ave min), Medium Low (ML) (305 ave min), Medium High (MH) (567 ave min), and High (1360 ave min). Lonely and severely lonely participants engaged a mean of 573 and 673 minutes in the program, respectively. Improvement in loneliness status was associated with greater use of minutes for the ML and MH participants compared to Low participants (ML OR: 1.46 95CI: 1.00 - 2.11, MH OR 1.65 95CI: 1.13 - 2.40). These findings indicate that a virtual companionship intervention can be an impactful and scalable tool for older adults who want to age at home and have limited social support, especially during the uncertain COVID landscape. Further research is warranted to understand persistent loneliness.

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Technology and Social Isolation, Loneliness, and Health Inequities Among Older Adults

Innovation in Aging ◽

10.1093/geroni/igab046.3341 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽

pp. 931-932

Author(s):

Jeffrey Jutai ◽

Joshua Tuazon

Keyword(s):

Social Support ◽

Older Adults ◽

Social Isolation ◽

Social Connectedness ◽

Health Inequities ◽

Care Seeking ◽

Adverse Health Outcomes ◽

Full Analysis ◽

Advance Research ◽

The Impact

Abstract Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, older adults have been advised to stay-at-home to reduce the risk of infection. Social distancing and quarantine measures increase their vulnerability to adverse health outcomes like depression and cardiovascular disease. Technology is an effective tool to promote social connectedness among older adults affected by the pandemic; however, its role in reducing loneliness and health inequities is not well understood. The goal of this project was to construct a model for how technologies may be deployed to mitigate the impact of a pandemic on social isolation, loneliness, and health inequities for older adults. PubMed, SCOPUS, and PsychINFO were searched for the following keywords: “social isolation,” “loneliness,” “social support,” “resilience,” “technology,” “pandemic,” and “health inequities.” Articles selected for full analysis attempted to understand or observe how technology alleviates social isolation and/or loneliness among older adults. Research evidence indicates that using technology reduces loneliness directly and indirectly (by reducing social isolation) and can strengthen social support, which in turn promotes resilience among older adults. Video-based technologies encourage care-seeking behaviors in this population. There is insufficient evidence to determine technology’s relationship to health inequities experienced by older adults. The model we have proposed should help advance research on the relationship between technology and health inequities among older adults that may be aggravated by pandemic-like situations. We hypothesize that technology interventions for social support and functional competence should be sequenced in order to have the best effects on reducing health disparities.

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Impact of the AGE-ON Tablet Training Program on Social Isolation, Loneliness, and Attitudes Toward Technology in Older Adults: Single-Group Pre-Post Study (Preprint)

10.2196/preprints.18398 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Sarah E Neil-Sztramko ◽

Giulia Coletta ◽

Maureen Dobbins ◽

Sharon Marr

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Social Support ◽

Older Adults ◽

Training Program ◽

Social Isolation ◽

Technology Use ◽

Attitudes Toward Technology ◽

Basic Features ◽

The Impact

BACKGROUND The internet and technology can help older adults connect with family and friends. However, many older adults face obstacles to internet and technology use, such as lack of knowledge or self-efficacy. OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to explore the impact of the AGE-ON tablet training program on social isolation, loneliness, and quality of life. METHODS Adults aged >60 years took part in a series of 6 weekly workshops covering the basic features of a tablet. Before and after the program, social isolation, loneliness, social support, and quality of life were assessed. In addition, data on current tablet use and attitudes toward technology use were collected. Satisfaction with the program was also assessed at the end of the study using 6 Likert scale questions. RESULTS The participants (N=32; mean age 76.3, SD 8.6 years) were predominantly female (n=20, 63%) and retired (n=30, 94%). The participants reported that they were highly satisfied with the program. After completing the program, no differences in social isolation, loneliness, social support, or quality of life were found. Frequency of tablet use increased and the attitudes of the participants toward technology improved. CONCLUSIONS The AGE-ON program resulted in increased tablet use frequency and may improve comfort and attitudes toward tablet use among older adults. This program may assist older adults in overcoming obstacles to internet and technology use to better connect with family and friends; however, further work targeting older adults who are socially isolated or at risk of social isolation is needed to more fully understand whether tablet training programs are beneficial in this population. CLINICALTRIAL ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03472729; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03472729

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Impact of the AGE-ON Tablet Training Program on Social Isolation, Loneliness, and Attitudes Toward Technology in Older Adults: Single-Group Pre-Post Study

JMIR Aging ◽

10.2196/18398 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 3 (1) ◽

pp. e18398

Author(s):

Sarah E Neil-Sztramko ◽

Giulia Coletta ◽

Maureen Dobbins ◽

Sharon Marr

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Social Support ◽

Older Adults ◽

Training Program ◽

Social Isolation ◽

Technology Use ◽

Attitudes Toward Technology ◽

Basic Features ◽

The Impact

Background The internet and technology can help older adults connect with family and friends. However, many older adults face obstacles to internet and technology use, such as lack of knowledge or self-efficacy. Objective The purpose of this study was to explore the impact of the AGE-ON tablet training program on social isolation, loneliness, and quality of life. Methods Adults aged >60 years took part in a series of 6 weekly workshops covering the basic features of a tablet. Before and after the program, social isolation, loneliness, social support, and quality of life were assessed. In addition, data on current tablet use and attitudes toward technology use were collected. Satisfaction with the program was also assessed at the end of the study using 6 Likert scale questions. Results The participants (N=32; mean age 76.3, SD 8.6 years) were predominantly female (n=20, 63%) and retired (n=30, 94%). The participants reported that they were highly satisfied with the program. After completing the program, no differences in social isolation, loneliness, social support, or quality of life were found. Frequency of tablet use increased and the attitudes of the participants toward technology improved. Conclusions The AGE-ON program resulted in increased tablet use frequency and may improve comfort and attitudes toward tablet use among older adults. This program may assist older adults in overcoming obstacles to internet and technology use to better connect with family and friends; however, further work targeting older adults who are socially isolated or at risk of social isolation is needed to more fully understand whether tablet training programs are beneficial in this population. Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03472729; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03472729

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EXPLORING THE IMPACT OF TECHNOLOGY ON OLDER ADULTS' WELL-BEING

Innovation in Aging ◽

10.1093/geroni/igz038.696 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽

pp. S193-S194

Author(s):

Walter R Boot

Keyword(s):

Social Support ◽

Older Adults ◽

Social Isolation ◽

Technology Use ◽

Internet Use ◽

Well Being ◽

Life Transitions ◽

Health Concern ◽

Negative Consequences ◽

The Impact

Abstract Recent research had indicated clear links between social isolation and loneliness, and a host of negative consequences, including poor mental and physical health, cognitive decline, and even increased mortality risk. These consequences make clear that social isolation is a significant and urgent public health concern that requires attention and action. Increasingly, researchers have begun to explore the role technology can play in reducing social isolation and increasing social support. This symposium contains five talks that address this question directly, presenting a nuanced picture of the potential effects of technology on well-being among older adults. The first presentation will highlight the potential positive side of internet use on wellbeing using longitudinal data from the Health and Retirement Study. The next talk explores how the internet can support older adults undergoing significant life transitions. Importantly, the link between internet use and well-being appears to be context-dependent, with internet use being associated with positive or negative effects depending on other contextual factors. This presentation is followed by another, finding that technology use can have varying effects depending on how and what the technology is used for. This is followed by a presentation that directly compares technology-based communication to in-person communication, and the different effects of each on well-being. The session concludes with a presentation on how novel robotic technology might provide emotional and social support. In answer to the question of whether technology can reduce social isolation and loneliness, and improve social support: It’s complicated.

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Social isolation, social support and loneliness as predictors of cardiovascular disease incidence and mortality

BMC Geriatrics ◽

10.1186/s12877-021-02602-2 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 21 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Rosanne Freak-Poli ◽

Joanne Ryan ◽

Johannes T. Neumann ◽

Andrew Tonkin ◽

Christopher M. Reid ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Social Support ◽

Cardiovascular Disease ◽

Older Adults ◽

Social Isolation ◽

Community Dwelling ◽

Social Health ◽

Cvd Risk ◽

Increased Risk ◽

Health Domains

Abstract Background Poor social health is associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Recent research suggests that different social health domains should be considered separately as the implications for health and possible interventions may differ. Aim To assess social isolation, low social support and loneliness as predictors of CVD. Methods Secondary analysis of 11,486 community-dwelling, Australians, aged 70 years and over, free of CVD, dementia, or significant physical disability, from the ASPirin in Reducing Events in the Elderly (ASPREE) trial. Social isolation, social support (Revised Lubben Social Network Scale), and loneliness were assessed as predictors of CVD using Cox proportional-hazard regression. CVD events included fatal CVD, heart failure hospitalization, myocardial infarction and stroke. Analyses were adjusted for established CVD risk factors. Results Individuals with poor social health were 42 % more likely to develop CVD (p = 0.01) and twice as likely to die from CVD (p = 0.02) over a median 4.5 years follow-up. Interaction effects indicated that poorer social health more strongly predicted CVD in smokers (HR 4.83, p = 0.001, p-interaction = 0.01), major city dwellers (HR 1.94, p < 0.001, p-interaction=0.03), and younger older adults (70-75 years; HR 2.12, p < 0.001, p-interaction = 0.01). Social isolation (HR 1.66, p = 0.04) and low social support (HR 2.05, p = 0.002), but not loneliness (HR 1.4, p = 0.1), predicted incident CVD. All measures of poor social health predicted ischemic stroke (HR 1.73 to 3.16). Conclusions Among healthy older adults, social isolation and low social support may be more important than loneliness as cardiovascular risk factors. Social health domains should be considered in future CVD risk prediction models.

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Effects of Sherish℠ Connect on older adults in a residential living facility

Student Journal of Occupational Therapy ◽

10.46409/001.mcfl9362 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 2 (2) ◽

pp. 1-14

Author(s):

Katherine Bennett ◽

Mia Gonzalez ◽

Sydney Harper ◽

Madison Logan ◽

Kaeli Jeffers ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Social Support ◽

Older Adults ◽

Social Isolation ◽

Adult Population ◽

Social Technology ◽

Physical And Mental Health ◽

Technology Platforms ◽

Residential Living ◽

The Impact

Personal connection and social interaction are vital components of health throughout the lifespan. Loneliness and social isolation among the older adult population impacts both physical and mental health negatively. Analysis of published research demonstrates the importance of considering the use of different social technology platforms to foster opportunities for social support among family and friends. Researchers noted an increased relevance of the need for social technology in residential living facilities with the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic and social distancing. The study aims to investigate the impact of social technology, via Sherish℠ Connect on older adults’ reported levels of loneliness and social isolation within a residential living facility. The seven participants used Sherish℠ Connect, a television-based photo-sharing application, for a minimum of one month prior to data collection. Data was collected via survey responses and medical records review to determine the effect of the Sherish℠ Connect intervention on participants’ perceived loneliness. Six participants reported using Sherish℠ Connect weekly or daily. All participants reported Sherish℠ Connect provided comfort. Social technology platforms offer an opportunity for social support among family and friends. Sherish℠ Connect, given a larger sample and increased duration of use, has the potential to combat loneliness and social isolation and provide comfort for older adults. Researchers hope this study provides baseline research that inspires additional studies investigating Sherish℠ Connect. The utilization of social technology adds value to occupational therapy intervention for mental health and social participation, particularly during the unprecedented time of COVID-19.

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The Impact of Stressful Life Events and Social Support on Drinking among Older Adults: A General Population Survey

The International Journal of Aging and Human Development ◽

10.2190/f6g4-xlv3-5kw6-vmba ◽

1992 ◽

Vol 35 (2) ◽

pp. 99-123 ◽

Cited By ~ 45

Author(s):

Karen M. Jennison

Keyword(s):

Social Support ◽

Older Adults ◽

Life Events ◽

Stressful Life Events ◽

Prolonged Exposure ◽

Drinking Behavior ◽

National Sample ◽

Stressful Life ◽

Stress Buffering ◽

The Impact

This article is an analysis of stressful life events, the buffering hypothesis, and alcohol use in a national sample of 1,418 respondents 60 years of age and over. The results indicate that older adults who experience stressful losses are significantly more likely to drink excessively than those who have not experienced such losses or who have experienced them to a lesser extent. Increased drinking among older adults may therefore be a reaction to life circumstances in which alcohol represents an attempt to cope with traumatic loss, personal as well as within the kinship network. Supportive resources of spouse, family, friends, and church appear to have a stress-buffering effects that reduces the excessive-drinking response to life crisis. Data suggest, however, that older persons are vulnerable to the magnitude of losses experienced as they grow older and lose more of their family, friends, and peers. These stressors appear to seriously impact their drinking behavior and are not effectively buffered. Respondents report that drinking may increase during periods of prolonged exposure to emotionally depleting life change and loss, when supportive needs may exceed the capacities of personal and social support resources.

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The Importance of Studying Health Behavior in Older Adults

Innovation in Aging ◽

10.1093/geroni/igaa057.3020 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽

pp. 827-827

Author(s):

Jaime Hughes ◽

Susan Hughes ◽

Mina Raj ◽

Janet Bettger

Keyword(s):

Social Support ◽

Older Adults ◽

Behavior Change ◽

Chronic Conditions ◽

Population Level ◽

Multiple Chronic Conditions ◽

Prior Work ◽

Time Changes ◽

The Impact ◽

Over Time

Abstract Behavior change is an inherent aspect of routine geriatric care. However, most research and clinical programs emphasis how to initiate behavior change with less emphasis placed on skills and strategies to maintain behaviors over time, including after an intervention has concluded. This presentation will provide an introduction to the symposium, including a review of prior work and our rationale for studying the critical yet overlooked construct of maintenance in older adults. Several key considerations in our work include the impact of multiple chronic conditions, declines in cognitive and functional capacity over time, changes in environmental context and/or social support, and sustainability of community and population-level programs and services.

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Cognitive Outcomes during COVID-19 confiNemeNt in Elderly and their Caregivers using Technologies for DEMentia (CONNECT DEM): study protocol (Preprint)

10.2196/preprints.26431 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Jessica Marian Goodman-Casanova ◽

Elena Dura-Perez ◽

Gloria Guerrero-Pertiñez ◽

Pilar Barnestein-Fonseca ◽

Jose Guzman-Parra ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Cognitive Impairment ◽

Mild Cognitive Impairment ◽

Social Isolation ◽

Community Dwelling ◽

Mild Dementia ◽

Care Services ◽

Health And Social Care ◽

The Impact ◽

Community Dwelling Older Adults

BACKGROUND Coronavirus disease 2019 has forced worldwide the implementation of unprecedented restrictions to control its rapid spread and mitigate its impact. The Spanish government has enforced social distancing, quarantine and home confinement. This restriction of daily life activities and separation from loved ones may lead to social isolation and loneliness with health-related consequences in community-dwelling older adults with mild cognitive impairment or mild dementia and their caregivers. Additionally, an inadequate access to healthcare and social support services may aggravate chronic conditions. Technology home-based interventions emerge for combating social isolation and loneliness preventing the risk of viral exposure. OBJECTIVE The aim of this cohort study is to explore, analyze and determine the impact of social isolation on: 1) cognition, quality of life, mood, technophilia and perceived stress of community-dwelling older adults with mild cognitive impairment or mild dementia, and on caregiver burden; 2) health and social care services access and utilization, and 3) cognitive, social and entertainment use of ICTs. METHODS This study will be conducted in the Spanish region of Andalucía (Málaga). In total 200 dyads, consisting of a person with mild cognitive impairment or mild dementia (PMCI/MD) and their informal caregiver will be contacted by telephone. Potential respondents will be participants of the SMART 4 MD (N=100) and TV-AssistDem (N=100) clinical trials. RESULTS The change in means in the variables will be analyzed comparing baseline results in the previous studies with those during and after confinement using the ANOVA test of repeated measures or the non-parametric Friedman test if appropriate. The performance of a multivariate analysis of variance (ANCOVA) to introduce possible covariates will also be contemplated. A 95% confidence level will be used. CONCLUSIONS If the hypothesis is proven, these findings will demonstrate the negative impact of social isolation due to the COVID-19 confinement on cognition, quality of life, mood, and perceived stress of community-dwelling older adults with mild cognitive impairment and mild dementia, the impact on technophilia, caregiver burden, and health and social care services access and utilization; and the cognitive, social and entertainment use of ICTs during the COVID-19 confinement and afterwards. CLINICALTRIAL NCT: 04385797

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Impact of Social Isolation on Physical Activity and Factors Associated With Sedentary Behavior in Older Adults During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Journal of Aging and Physical Activity ◽

10.1123/japa.2020-0456 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 1-5

Author(s):

Giovana Z. Mazo ◽

Felipe Fank ◽

Pedro S. Franco ◽

Bruna da Silva Vieira Capanema ◽

Franciele da Silva Pereira

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Older Adults ◽

Sedentary Behavior ◽

Social Isolation ◽

Low Income ◽

Low Income Countries ◽

Moderate Physical Activity ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Factors Associated ◽

The Impact

The objective was to analyze the impact of social isolation on moderate physical activity and factors associated with sedentary behavior of older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic. This was a cross-sectional study involving 111 older adults (aged 71.0 ± 6.87 years). The data were collected at two time points: in November 2019 and in June 2020. There was a decline in moderate physical activity when the minutes/week were compared before and during social isolation (p < .001). Sedentary behavior was associated with the condition of living alone. Older adults who lived alone were 3.29 times more likely to spend 4 hr or more in sedentary behavior than those who lived with a partner (95% confidence interval [1.01, 10.74]). Government agencies must establish PA-related health promotion strategies, especially in developing and low-income countries. Therefore, home exercises need to be encouraged to prevent the consequences of this pandemic period.

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