scholarly journals Preferred Communication Channels Among Older Adults During COVID-19

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 220-220
Author(s):  
Cheryl Der Ananian ◽  
Brad Doebbeling ◽  
G Mauricio Mejía ◽  
Hallie Wine ◽  
Haley Harelson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Social Isolation ◽  
Communication Technology ◽  
Communication Channels ◽  
Work And Family ◽  
Social Connections ◽  
Social Distancing ◽  
Communication Techniques ◽  
Phone Calls ◽  
Family Demands

Abstract Social distancing measures put in place during the COVID-19 pandemic limited in-person interactions and may have increased the risk for social isolation and loneliness in older adults. Purpose The purpose of this study was to understand the communication channels used by older adults (age 50+) during the COVID-19 pandemic to mitigate social isolation and loneliness. Methods Older adults (n=22) who were selected from a longitudinal study, ‘Aging in the time of COVID,’ and who had self-reported they successfully avoided loneliness, participated in a semi-structured online interview. Participants were asked to describe the communication techniques and efforts they used to stay connected to family and friends during the pandemic. All interviews were recorded and transcribed verbatim. A thematic analysis approach was used to identify common approaches. Results Participants were primarily female and white (100%) with a mean age of 64.7 years. Preliminary findings (n=5) suggest older adults relied heavily on technology to facilitate communication with family and friends including texting, phone calls, email, video calls or conferences (e.g., Zoom), WhatsApp and social media, primarily Facebook. In-person communication strategies, including one-on-one and small group gatherings following social distancing guidelines, were preferred, but used less often than technology-based approaches. Living close to friends and family, and previous experience with technology were facilitators. Competing work and family demands, distance, and technology challenges limited communication. Conclusions While older adults may adopt technology at a lower pace, they relied on digital communication technology to maintain social connections during COVID.

scholarly journals Older Adults’ Loneliness, Social Isolation, and Physical Information and Communication Technology in the Era of Ambient Assisted Living: A Systematic Literature Review (Preprint)

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rita Latikka ◽  
Rosana Rubio-Hernández ◽  
Elena Simona Lohan ◽  
Juho Rantala ◽  
Fernando Nieto Fernández ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Literature Review ◽  
Social Isolation ◽  
Information And Communication Technology ◽  
Communication Technology ◽  
Systematic Literature Review ◽  
Assisted Living ◽  
Ambient Assisted Living ◽  
Smart Homes ◽  
Information And Communication

BACKGROUND Loneliness and social isolation can have severe effects on human health and well-being. Partial solutions to combat these circumstances in demographically aging societies have been sought from the field of information and communication technology (ICT). OBJECTIVE This systematic literature review investigates the research conducted on older adults’ loneliness and social isolation, and physical ICTs, namely robots, wearables, and smart homes, in the era of ambient assisted living (AAL). The aim is to gain insight into how technology can help overcome loneliness and social isolation other than by fostering social communication with people and what the main open-ended challenges according to the reviewed studies are. METHODS The data were collected from 7 bibliographic databases. A preliminary search resulted in 1271 entries that were screened based on predefined inclusion criteria. The characteristics of the selected studies were coded, and the results were summarized to answer our research questions. RESULTS The final data set consisted of 23 empirical studies. We found out that ICT solutions such as smart homes can help detect and predict loneliness and social isolation, and technologies such as robotic pets and some other social robots can help alleviate loneliness to some extent. The main open-ended challenges across studies relate to the need for more robust study samples and study designs. Further, the reviewed studies report technology- and topic-specific open-ended challenges. CONCLUSIONS Technology can help assess older adults’ loneliness and social isolation, and alleviate loneliness without direct interaction with other people. The results are highly relevant in the COVID-19 era, where various social restrictions have been introduced all over the world, and the amount of research literature in this regard has increased recently.

scholarly journals Social Distancing vs Social Interaction for Older Adults at Long-Term Care Facilities in the Midst of the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Rapid Review and Synthesis of Action Plans

2021 ◽  
Vol 58 ◽  
pp. 004695802110442
Author(s):  
Farhana Ferdous
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Social Interaction ◽  
Social Isolation ◽  
Long Term Care ◽  
Rapid Review ◽  
Action Plans ◽  
Term Care ◽  
Social Distancing ◽  
Care Facilities

The present study aimed to systematically analyze the impact of COVID-19-related social distancing requirements on older adults living in long-term care facilities (LTCFs) and to synthesize the literature into thematic action plans to minimize the adverse effects of social isolation. The search included articles published between December 2019 and August 2020 across four databases. The inclusion criteria were used to screen for studies that reported on social isolation and loneliness due to the COVID-19 pandemic in older adults living in LTCFs. This rapid review identified 29 relevant studies and synthesized them into four thematic action plans: technological advancement, remote communication, therapeutic care/stress management, and preventive measures. These thematic action plans and cost-effective strategies can be immediately adopted and used as a resource for all LTCF administrators, healthcare design professionals, and researchers in battling current COVID-19-related issues, and improving social interaction in older adults living in care facilities.

scholarly journals VA Connection Plans: A Whole Health Intervention to Promote Social Connections for Older Veterans

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 205-205
Author(s):  
Samantha Hack ◽  
Anjana Muralidharan ◽  
Amanda Peeples
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Mental Illness ◽  
Social Isolation ◽  
Older Adult ◽  
Brief Intervention ◽  
Social Engagement ◽  
Behavioral Therapy ◽  
Social Connections ◽  
Key Stakeholders ◽  
Negative Thoughts

Abstract The Connection Plan intervention was created as a brief intervention to assist older adults experiencing social isolation during COVID-19. Based in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), it is designed to help older adults create a “Connection Plan” to cope with distress related to social isolation. In 1-2 sessions, interventionists work with the older adult to create a Connection Plan with three parts: Mind (ways to change negative thoughts), Body (ways to change unpleasant body sensations), and Connections (ways to increase social engagement). Through soliciting feedback from key stakeholders (Veterans and VA clinicians), the Connection Plan intervention was adapted for the VA context. This paper will present this process of creating the VA Connection Plans manual, as well as associated efforts to disseminate the intervention to 900 VA staff and deliver it to 600 older Veterans with (age 50+) and without (age 65+) serious mental illness.

scholarly journals The Effect of Technology Use in Reducing Social Isolation or Loneliness in Older Adults: A Systematic Review

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 927-927
Author(s):  
Yoon Chung Kim ◽  
Gail Kohn ◽  
Carenado Davis ◽  
Pamela Saunders
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Social Isolation ◽  
Technology Use ◽  
Economic Status ◽  
Critical Factor ◽  
Effective Strategies ◽  
Phone Calls ◽  
Use Of Technology ◽  
National Emergency

Abstract The US population over 65 is projected to increase to 21% by 2050. Given mobility issues arising from health concerns, economic status changes, loss of friends and partners, older people are at a higher risk for social isolation and loneliness. Since the declaration of national emergency for COVID-19 on March 13, 2020, many older adults have not been able to connect with others in traditional ways. Instead, activities and contacts have been facilitated virtually via videoconferencing or phone calls to maintain physical and social distance. Amidst COVID-19, the transition to using technologies to connect socially and reduce loneliness has been a critical factor in preventing social isolation and loneliness. Identifying effective strategies involving the use of technology, designing new ways to deliver services virtually, and developing educational programs to promote technology is vitally necessary. This systematic review explored the relationship between technology use and social isolation or loneliness, and examined interventions that reduced social isolation in older adults. A unified strategy was used to systematically search seven databases (MEDLINE, PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, Web of Science, PsycInfo, and AgeLine) to examine qualitative and quantitative studies published in English between 2010 and 2020. Preliminary results indicate that technology can alleviate social isolation and loneliness in older adults despite some mixed results. The findings of this study will provide a foundation for policymakers and practitioners to shape policies and design programs that help older adults to alleviate social isolation and loneliness, particularly amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.

scholarly journals Strategies to Promote Social Connections Among Older Adults During “Social Distancing” Restrictions

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kimberly A. Van Orden ◽  
Emily Bower ◽  
Julie Lutz ◽  
Caroline Silva ◽  
Autumn M. Gallegos ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Social Connections ◽  
Social Distancing

scholarly journals When Social Isolation Might Save Your Life: An MIT AgeLab Study of Living Through the COVID-19 Crisis at Age 85 and Over

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 482-483
Author(s):  
Julie Miller ◽  
Taylor Patskanick ◽  
Lisa D’Ambrosio ◽  
Martina Raue ◽  
Alexa Balmuth ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Social Isolation ◽  
Assisted Living ◽  
Emergency Preparedness ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Panel Study ◽  
Social Distancing ◽  
Telephone Interviews ◽  
The Face ◽  
Novel Coronavirus

Abstract Previous research shows that social isolation is associated with increased mortality rates among older adults. However, in the face of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), social distancing was prescribed as a potentially lifesaving measure, particularly for older adults. In this session, MIT AgeLab researchers will present findings from a mixed methods study with the MIT AgeLab 85+ Lifestyle Leaders, a panel study of octogenarians and nonagenarians that began in September 2015. In March 2020, AgeLab researchers began conducting a series of telephone interviews (n=15) with Lifestyle Leaders and collected quantitative data via an online survey (n=25). Together, the interviews and survey inquired about Lifestyle Leaders’ attitudes and behaviors related to COVID-19, as well as their uses of technology throughout the crisis. Findings suggest that fears about the impacts of coronavirus transcended multiple domains of the Lifestyle Leaders’ lives, including their physical, socioemotional, and financial wellbeing. Lifestyle Leaders were asked about functional and emotional repercussions of social distancing and other precautions they had taken to reduce the spread of COVID-19 and to protect themselves from contracting the virus. Special attention was paid to differences in lived experiences of the COVID-19 crisis among Lifestyle Leaders who were living independently versus those who were living in assisted living or continuing care retirement communities. Findings from this study suggest that socially-connected emergency preparedness measures will become increasingly important for the growing number of octogenarians and nonagenarians.

scholarly journals COVID-19 and Social Isolation Endangering Psychological Health of Older Adults: Implications for Telepsychiatry

2020 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Social Isolation ◽  
Psychological Health ◽  
Aging Population ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Severe Illness ◽  
Older Population ◽  
Social Distancing ◽  
Targeted Interventions

Coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) has created a public health emergency and had claimed 911,877 lives at the time of writing this manuscript (September 12, 2020). While everybody is at the risk of acquiring infection following the exposure to SARS-CoV-2, older adults are significantly more likely to experience severe illness, life-threatening complications, hospitalizations, and deaths. As the pandemic evolved, social distancing or shielding efforts as primary prevention were instituted to protect the physical health status of the vulnerable population, with no or limited consideration to the psychological health of the older population. Social isolation and loneliness are the long-standing public health concerns among older adults, which appear to be exacerbating amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. Given the pre-existing risk of late-life psychiatric disorders among older individuals, it is critical to determine challenges posed by COVID-19 and associated social distancing protocols as it relates to the psychosocial well-being of the aging population. Such information is imperative to design targeted interventions to fulfill the unmet needs of the older population. Therefore, this review endeavors to identify the healthcare and emotional needs of the aging population during the COVID-19 pandemic in the context of psychological health and social capital. Additionally, this review also identifies the barriers in the uptake of telepsychiatry and highlights the need for promoting remote counseling services among older people to promote their psychosocial well-being.

scholarly journals Big and Mini: A Promising Program to Link Generations to Cope With Social Isolation

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 574-574
Author(s):  
Zhirui Chen ◽  
Ling Xu ◽  
Noelle Fields ◽  
Allen Zhou ◽  
Anthony Zhou ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Life Satisfaction ◽  
Social Isolation ◽  
Satisfaction With Life ◽  
Intergenerational Solidarity ◽  
Bivariate Correlation ◽  
Phone Calls ◽  
Open Questions ◽  
And Coping ◽  
Intergenerational Connections

Abstract Introduction Social isolation disproportionately affected older adults prior to and especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. To help older adults cope with social isolation, a new program “Big and Mini” was created in April 2020 to link young and older adults together (matched through a custom website developed for this program) and to help increase social connectivity through weekly phone calls. Using a survey with both closed and open questions, this study evaluated participant feedback three months after the program was launched. Methods 63 Bigs (age 50+) and 53 Minis (age 18+) completed the survey. Stress compared to before COVID-19, social isolation, life satisfaction, intergenerational solidarity, and satisfaction with the program were measured for both the Big and Mini participants. Descriptive, bivariate correlation, group comparison and conventional content analyses were conducted. Results Results showed that 38.1% of Bigs and 37.7% of Minis felt higher levels of stress than before COVID-19. Both Bigs and Minis had medium levels of social isolation. They also reported high levels of satisfaction with life, satisfaction with the program, and intergenerational solidarity. Content analysis suggested that the reasons to join or expectations of the program were curiosity, friendship, mutually beneficial intergenerational connections, and coping with loneliness. Both Bigs and Minis reported benefits from the learning and sharing opportunities that the program offered. Conclusions The Big and Mini program offers a promising approach with mutual benefits for both Bigs and Minis. Strategies to improve the program and implications for other phone-based intergenerational programs are presented.

Short-Term Impact of Social Distancing Measures During the COVID-19 Pandemic on Cognitive Function and Health Perception of Brazilian Older Adults: A Pre-Post Study

2021 ◽  
pp. 073346482110154
Author(s):  
Pedro H. T.Q. Almeida ◽  
Lilian D. Bernardo ◽  
Tatiana B. Pontes ◽  
Jane A. Davis ◽  
Tainá M. S. Deodoro ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Cognitive Function ◽  
Social Isolation ◽  
Health Care Professionals ◽  
Perceived Health ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Social Distancing ◽  
Holistic Approaches ◽  
Critical Measure ◽  
Mental And Physical Health

Social distancing, a critical measure to manage COVID-19 transmission, is consistently associated with social isolation, a major health issue. Social isolation negatively impacts mental and physical health, particularly among older adults. A pre-post comparison study examined changes in cognitive function and perceived health among 36 community-dwelling Brazilian older adults, assessed pre and post social distancing measures enacted due to COVID-19. A significant increase in cognitive function was found 1 month into social distancing ( M = 16.3, p = .002, power = 0.88), with declining scores for vitality ( M = −29.3, p < .001, power = 0.99) and mental health ( M = −38.1, p < .001, power = 0.99), particularly among participants who lived alone ( t = −3.8, p = .001). Older adults exhibit rapid changes in perceived health when excluded from participation in social activities. Health care professionals should consider holistic approaches when addressing the impacts of social isolation on this population.

scholarly journals Impacts of the Pandemic on Older Adults’ Social Isolation

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 950-950
Author(s):  
Stephanie MacLeod
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Health Outcomes ◽  
Social Isolation ◽  
Social Connectedness ◽  
Early Research ◽  
Severe Illness ◽  
Social Distancing ◽  
Virus Exposure ◽  
Key Terms

Abstract The risk of COVID-19 exposure and likelihood of severe illness have been critical concerns among older adults during the pandemic. Meanwhile, social distancing has worsened social isolation, with severe impacts on connectedness among seniors. Effects of the pandemic may lead to an extended crisis, with impacts on health outcomes. Our primary purpose was to summarize emerging research describing impacts of the pandemic on social isolation and related health outcomes among older adults. A streamlined search was conducted to fit the scope of this review, with key terms determined to identify relevant publications. Common research databases and mainstream resources were utilized. We focused on research published or released since the start of 2020, primarily rapidly reviewed studies, to align with the timing of the pandemic. Early research suggests that the pandemic has worsened social isolation among older adults. Social isolation is now more urgent, as many seniors lost their usual connections due to social distancing. While these measures help to prevent virus exposure, this approach must be balanced with maintaining social connectedness. Thus, a “COVID-19 paradox” has emerged: safety protocols protect older adults but concurrently place them at risk of social isolation. Adapted approaches are urgently needed to safely address the consequences of a potential long-term social recession.

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