Effects of Social Technology on Older Adults in a Residential Living Facility

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

Enhancing the Leisure, Social Participation, and Quality of Life of Older Adults Isolated during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Title: Enhancing the Leisure, Social Participation and Quality of Life of Older Adults Isolated during the COVID-19 Pandemic APA Citation Mariah LeRoux, OTDS. Enhancing the Leisure, Social Participation and Quality of Life of Older Adults Isolated during the COVID-19 Pandemic. Department of Occupational Therapy, University of North Dakota School of Medicine and Health Sciences, 1301 N Columbia Rd, Grand Forks, ND 58203. Purpose The purpose of this scholarly project was to enhance the performance range of older adults in assisted living by equipping them with the skills to engage in meaningful occupations throughout a pandemic. The meaningful occupations outlined in this project include leisure and social participation occupations to promote positive mental and physical health. Methodology This scholarly project was completed over 18 months. It began with a thorough literature review of current evidence to serve as the needs assessment. The process began in 2021 while looking at the mental health impact of COVID-19 lockdown precautions on older adults. The research identified a significant increase in mental health symptoms in older adults due to social distancing protocols and extreme isolation. It was also noted that there were few interventions to address this societal issue. The literature review then led to the impact of participation in social and leisure occupations on older adults and found positive mental and physical health benefits. This scholarly project was guided by the Ecology of Human Performance (EHP) model. This model places heavy emphasis on the social, physical, temporal, and cultural contexts, which are key factors limiting older adults’ participation in meaningful activity (Dunn, 1994). Results The products developed throughout this scholarly project were a program (product one) titled: Increasing Occupational Engagement in Older Adults during a Pandemic, and an education session for facilitators (product two) titled: Promoting Positive Mental Health through Social Participation and Leisure during a Pandemic. Product one has six sections including: mental health, leisure exploration, social participation, routine modification, community mobility, and technology. Product two is a 30-minute education session for occupational therapists (OT) and certified occupational therapy assistants (COTA) who will facilitate this program. The education session informs them on the mental and physical health impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the benefits of leisure, social participation, and meaningful engagement to promote this participation in residents. Conclusions It is anticipated that this program will fill the gap in addressing the mental health, leisure, and social participation needs of older adults amidst the pandemic. This contributes to occupational therapy practice by providing more resources and to decrease occupational deprivation and isolation in older adults in assisted living facilities

The Social Bridging Project: Intergenerational Phone-Based Connections With Older Adults During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Millions of Americans aged 65+ are socially isolated and millions more report feeling lonely. Social isolation and loneliness in older adults were compounded by stay-at-home orders and other COVID-19 prevention measures. Although many Americans experienced no difficulties transitioning to the use of electronic devices as their primary means of communication and connection, some older adults were not similarly able to espouse this shift. Our aim was to reduce the impact of social isolation on older adults, increase their comfort in expressing feelings of loneliness, and assist them in acquiring technology skills and accessing telehealth and community supports. Participants received wellness calls for conversation, resource access and technology-based support. Most participants reported decreased loneliness and increased connectedness after the calls; half reported increased ease in expressing their feelings. Programs that provide phone-based support for older adults may reduce loneliness and increase social connectedness

Understanding the experiences of older adults using technology to stay connected: A facilitator or creator of new vulnerabilities?

Executive Summary With rapid technological change, smart mobile technology has resulted in digital devices, social media, and the internet being suggested as potential solutions to promote social connection in later life. However, evidence in this field is insufficient and contradictory. This study aimed to explore older adults’ experiences of using technology (including social media) to connect with others. Specifically, this study aimed to understand: • Motivations for, and preferences towards, using digital devices and social media as a tool to connect with others • The impact of self-reported loneliness or social isolation on motivations for, and preferences towards, using digital devices and social media • Factors that enable or prevent older adults accessing, or using, digital devices and social media to connect with others • The impact of self-reported loneliness or social isolation in enabling or preventing older adults accessing, or using, digital devices and social media A mixed methods two-phase exploratory sequential design was utilised. Phase one involved semi-structured interviews conducted with 20 older adults (65+ years) across England, Scotland, and Wales. The findings from Phase one informed Phase two, a large survey completed by 410 older adults (65+ years) across England, Scotland, Northern Ireland, and Wales. Findings from Phase one were analysed using Thematic Analysis, and findings from Phase two were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Access and use of digital devices and social media were valued as tools for social connection. However, online communication was perceived as being supplementary, and not a replacement for face-to-face communication. Specifically, visual communication tools (e.g. Skype, Zoom, and Facetime) were perceived positively, due to being most reminiscent of face-to-face communication. Importantly, Phase two identified a relationship between loneliness, social isolation, and older adults’ technology use. Older technology users who were neither lonely nor isolated used digital devices, social media, and visual communication tools to connect with others significantly more often than those who experienced loneliness, isolation, or both. Despite being regular technology users, individuals still faced biopsychosocial barriers when using technology for social connection, including physical functioning, self-efficacy, fear, attitudes toward communication, culture of communication, and social capital. The findings demonstrated that these biopsychosocial barriers can significantly heighten inequalities for individuals in many ways, even those with access and skills to use this technology. Phase two identified negative attitudes as being the only psychosocial factor that significantly predicted both digital device use and social media use across the groups. Recommendations for practice 1. This study showed that individuals experiencing loneliness or social isolation use technology for social connection significantly less than those not experiencing loneliness or isolation. A preventative approach should be taken in supporting lonely or isolated individuals with opportunities to engage with technology for social connection. 2. Negative attitudes adversely affected use of digital devices and social media, independent of loneliness or social isolation, therefore, interventions should aim to target negative attitudes around using social technologies for all individuals. 3. This study showed that digital exclusion can also be experienced by regular technology users, and it is therefore recommended that the definition of digital exclusion is broadened and includes wider biopsychosocial factors. It is imperative that regular technology users are not overlooked when new technologies and services are being developed, or digital connection is being promoted. This will help to maximise the regular use, minimise the potential of disengaging, and promote the use of technology for social connection

Loneliness and older adults: psychological resilience and technology use during the COVID-19 pandemic—a cross sectional study

Introduction: This study investigated how psychological resilience influenced greater technology use among older adults, and whether they moderated the impact of social isolation on loneliness during the COVID-19 pandemic. We also explored whether technology mediates the impact of psychological resilience on loneliness. To explain the relationship between variables, the research drew upon the socio-emotional selective theory, which posits the notion that older adults are more focused on current and emotionally important relationships and goals concerning emotional regulation goals such as psychological well-being.Methods: Using a cross-sectional observational design, data were collected from 92 residents aged 65 to 89 in England from March 2020 to June 2021. Participants completed the Connor–Davidson Resilience Scale, Technology Experience Questionnaire, UCLA Loneliness Scale, and Lubben Social Network Index. Pearson correlation, mediation and moderation analyses were conducted to investigate the hypotheses.Results: Most participants experienced moderate to severe levels of loneliness, displaying higher levels than pre-pandemic. Psychological resilience predicted greater technology use, and lower levels of loneliness. Technology was found to mediate the relationship between psychological resilience and loneliness. Neither technology use, nor psychological resilience was found to moderate the impact of social isolation on loneliness.Discussion: Findings suggested that strategies directed towards screening older adults for psychological resilience levels and low technology experience may help identify those most at risk for adapting poorly when exposed to stressors in situations like the Covid-19 pandemic. Early interventions can be initiated to increase psychological resilience and technology use, including empirical interventions, that may help decrease loneliness, especially in times of elevated risks for loneliness

The Implications of COVID-19 on Older Adults: Challenges and Opportunities

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is causing untold hardship and while no one is immune, older adults (aged 65+) have been hit hardest by the pandemic because they are the most vulnerable to its effects and are marginalized by society. Older adults frequently experience isolation, depression, ageism, and financial exploitation. These challenges have been exacerbated by COVID-19 with the requirements for social distancing and quarantines and the proliferation of financial scams and false information. The result is that older adults are more lonely, depressed, fearful, and anxious. At the same time, COVID-19 has focused attention on these challenges through shared experiences and highlighted the imperative of addressing the difficulties faced by older people - offering some hope for progress. The paper reviews the literature available on the effects of COVID-19 on older adults and opportunities for improvement. It focuses on six distinct, but interrelated topics: loneliness and depression; physical health; ageism; misinformation; economic impact; and technology. There is a role for everyone in addressing the challenges. The public and private sectors need to work together to enact policies that eradicate the negative perception of older adults being unproductive and a burden to society and to fund additional research on the problems faced by the elderly and solutions required to improve care and support. Government must enhance the safety net for older adults, incentivize companies to hire older workers, and expand access to broadband by reducing the cost. Companies designing technology need to study the behaviors of older adults and build versatile and imaginative products that meet the needs of this vulnerable group. Finally, media companies and big tech firms like Twitter, Facebook, and Google must stop the dissemination of obviously false information and hold their organizations, journalists, reporters, and users to the highest standards of integrity and professionalism

Using technology to promote social connectedness: Insights from the T&Scon project

Loneliness and social isolation can affect anyone, with policymakers recognising the impact of isolation on individual wellbeing and public health. In 2018 the Scottish Government set out its approach to tackling social isolation in A Connected Scotland, a national strategy to achieve a Scotland “where individuals and communities are more connected, and everyone has the opportunity to develop meaningful relationships regardless of age, stage, circumstances, or identity.” A priority of the strategy is to create opportunities for people to connect, with a specific commitment to work with older age groups to “understand how digital technology can add value to their lives in a way that is meaningful”, informing wider work to deliver the Scottish Government’s Digital Strategy for Scotland. The Technology and Social Connectedness (T&Scon) project explored the potential of technology to support social connectedness for adults living in Scotland, producing a toolkit to provide guidance for individuals and organisations on the use of digital technology in building and maintaining social connections. This briefing paper, drawing on the project’s key findings and recommendations, provides a summary of key information for policymakers and practitioners in Scotland, and further afield. Its findings will be of particular interest to those who are developing new ways of keeping in touch, as the risk of social isolation becomes more pronounced in the wake of the global coronavirus pandemic. Key findings A wide range of UK and international technology-based and technology-enabled services exist, designed to support social connectedness, targeted at different adult age user groups. Most technologies used in this way are intended for people living at home although there are technologies in use and in development for the care home sector. Data from the Healthy Ageing in Scotland (HAGIS) study revealed patterns of social connectedness among people over the age of 50 living across Scotland. Patterns of technology use across different groups suggest that those who are least socially connected may also be those least likely to utilise technology to connect with others. Careful evaluation of the target user group is an important factor in the successful adoption of technology-based solutions, breaking down assumptions about who uses technology and who doesn’t, and understanding the risks and opportunities of using technology for this purpose.Briefing based on: T&SCon: Technology and Social Connectedness, Final Report, available online at http://www.tec.sco

Understanding Successful Aging for Well-Elderly Adults through Leisure and Social Participation

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported by the year 2050, about 26% of the population would be 60 years of age or older (CDC, 2020). As Baby Boomers (individuals born between 1946-1964) enter the Third Age, defined by lifestyle choice, consumption, and preservation of youthfulness, more and more individuals are given the opportunity to age in place and participate in new/refined lifestyles (Hostetler, 2011). Although, research has proven older adults, who are now in their later years in life, are prone to experience social isolation, loneliness, depression, anxiety, and social stressors (Valtorta et al., 2018). Older adults are typically in the life stages of retirement, experiencing multiple deaths of family members or friends, and/or a decline in health and well-being. Dattilo et al., (2015) stated it is important to consider the needs of older adults who lack social interactions at home and in the community, as it affects their overall quality of life. There is limited understanding of what specific leisure and social participation programs can be transitioned from the senior center to the home and community setting. The purpose of this capstone project was to evaluate the needs of well-elderly adults’ leisure and social participation in order to improve successful aging and advocate for OTs role at a senior center. A needs assessment was conducted to understand the complexity of Lanakila Multi-Purpose Senior Center (LMPSC) members’ leisure and social participation needs as it affects successful aging. Seventy-three LMPSC members completed the Life Satisfaction Index of the Third Age-Short Form (LSTA-SF) screening tool and 16 senior center members completed the semi-structured interview. The LMPSC members scored 41.01 out of 72 points on the LSTA-SF. Four major themes were discovered through the semi-structured interviews and observations. Themes included: 1) Impact from COVID-19 Restrictions, 2) Needs for Technology Training, 3) Needs of Organization Skills, and 4) Needs for Aging in Place. This project displayed how an occupational therapist (OT) has the potential to play a significant role in supporting senior center members’ leisure and social participation. Three key takeaways became evident from the needs assessment results: 1) the need to adapt activities from the senior center to the home and community setting to encourage leisure and social participation, 2) the need to teach older adults how to use technology to enhance engagement during online Zoom classes, presentations, and events, and 3) the need to evaluate services regularly to improve issues/problems in real-time.https://soar.usa.edu/otdcapstonesspring2021/1001/thumbnail.jp

Shiver Me Tinders, & Ring a Ding for a Fling - Sex Tech Use During COVID-19: Findings from a UK Study

Existing research surrounding dating apps has primarily focused on younger people with few studies exploring usage of such apps by middle aged and older adults. The worldwide COVID-19 pandemic challenged social behaviours and forced people to adapt intimacy and wider relationship conduct. The objective of this study was to examine how older adults utilized dating apps during the lockdowns of the UK pandemic (December 2020–May 2021). Findings presented here focus//on qualitative data collected from an online survey and eight online, one-to-one interviews with adults aged 40–54 years. The online survey targeted adults across the UK while interviewees were located across England. Employing interpretative phenomenological analysis, findings identified three key themes: 1. Morality, health, and law breaking and COVID-19; 2. Self-surveillance and moral signalling; 3. Loneliness and social isolation. Qualitative findings show engaging with apps was a proxy which alleviated feelings of loneliness and social isolation. Some users used the premise of their social bubble as a way of meeting other people. Using the same premise, others justified breaking the law to engage in physical and sexual intimacy to mitigate their loneliness. The work presented here contributes to the fields of social sciences, gerontology, and human computer interaction. The inter- and multi-disciplinary impact of this study intersects across those fields and offers a cross-sectional insight into behaviours and engagement with technology during one of the most extraordinary global events