Association of social isolation and loneliness with telehealth use among older adults during <scp>COVID</scp>‐19

Howe, Robert B.; Bell, Janice F.; Bidwell, Julie T.; Fenton, Joshua J.; Amadi, Grace P; Agnoli, Alicia

doi:10.1111/jgs.18270

Cited by 2 publications

(3 citation statements)

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“…Given that over 40% of participants have not used technology to connect with friends and/or family, a concern over social isolation arises as has been shown by previous research [ 3 , 5 ]. And when 75% have not used telehealth to maintain healthcare appointments, a concern over health issues arises, similar to research carried out by Howe et al [ 10 ]. It is understandable that issues with using telehealth point towards privacy and security concerns as healthcare is a sensitive topic and people want their privacy ensured.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 66%

“…The need for remote healthcare options was emphasized during the COVID-19 pandemic by researchers, such as Kotwal et al [ 9 ], who have highlighted the prevalence of social isolation and loneliness among older adults and the increased need to manage these issues. Similarly, research by Howe et al [ 10 ] investigated the relationship between social isolation, loneliness, and the utilization of telehealth among older adults. Socially isolated individuals tend to be less engaged with telehealth, raising concerns about accessibility to essential healthcare services.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Affinity and Usage of Technology in General, and Telehealth in Particular amongst Michigan Older Adults during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Kotval-K,

Pithwa

2024

Healthcare

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The COVID-19 pandemic and the travel restrictions imposed by many states led people to resort to technology for many of their daily needs which put older adults (aged 65 years and over) at a particular disadvantage as it is known that they are slow to adopt technology on a wide scale. Increasing the adoption and usage of technology for all purposes, especially healthcare appointments, would particularly benefit this population segment. Primary data was collected through online surveys targeted at older adults, aged 65 and over, living in Michigan, through a Qualtrics panel. Results indicate that, since this survey was an online survey, there is a bias in the use of technology as more than half the respondents had used zoom/skype or a similar medium to connect with friends and family during the period of travel restrictions. However, a substantial portion had not used telehealth services. Barriers to using telehealth services and factors that would encourage them to use them more are discussed. The study points to an emerging need for older adults to take advantage of technology more in order to overcome some of the barriers to accessing telehealth for their healthcare needs. Although technology cannot replace having real contact with people and being able to move about in the community, it helps, to a certain degree, to elevate overall wellbeing.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 66%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Affinity and Usage of Technology in General, and Telehealth in Particular amongst Michigan Older Adults during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Kotval-K,

Pithwa

2024

Healthcare

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“…While these restrictions are necessary and appropriate for protecting the public, they may lead to social disconnection and difficulties in maintaining traditional social relationships, which can worsen mental health issues in older adults (Chen et al, 2022; Wu, 2020). Although older adults are encouraged to use social media to stay in touch with relatives and friends, they are still more likely to experience social isolation and loneliness due to their limited digital literacy (Howe et al, 2023).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Loneliness in older Chinese adults amid the COVID‐19 pandemic: Prevalence and associated factors

Ruan¹,

Xu²,

Zhong³

2023

Asia-Pacific Psychiatry

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IntroductionData on loneliness among older adults in China during the COVID‐19 pandemic are still scarce. This study aimed to examine the prevalence of loneliness and identify its associated factors among older Chinese adults during the COVID‐19 pandemic.MethodsDuring the COVID‐19 pandemic, 1268 older Chinese adults (aged 50+ years) were recruited through snowball sampling. The Chinese version of the validated six‐item De Jong Gierveld Loneliness Scale was used to assess participants' recent feelings of loneliness, and a cut‐off score of two or more was used to indicate the presence of loneliness.ResultsLoneliness was experienced by 37.9% of the participants in recent days. Factors significantly associated with loneliness included male sex (vs. female, OR: 1.62, p < .001), an education level of middle school and below (vs. college and above, OR: 1.50, p = .007), residing in the COVID‐19 epicenter (vs. other provinces, OR: 1.48, p = .004), concern about contracting COVID‐19 (OR: 1.68, p = .001), poor knowledge of COVID‐19 (OR: 2.39, p = .012), and physical health problems (OR: 1.65, p < .001).DiscussionLoneliness is common among older Chinese adults amid the COVID‐19 pandemic. Targeted intervention programs may be more effective in reducing loneliness among older adults who are worried about contracting COVID‐19, have poor COVID‐19 knowledge, and experience physical health problems.

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Association of social isolation and loneliness with telehealth use among older adults during COVID‐19

Cited by 2 publications

References 14 publications

Affinity and Usage of Technology in General, and Telehealth in Particular amongst Michigan Older Adults during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Affinity and Usage of Technology in General, and Telehealth in Particular amongst Michigan Older Adults during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Loneliness in older Chinese adults amid the COVID‐19 pandemic: Prevalence and associated factors

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