Digital Technologies as a Panacea for Social Isolation and Loneliness among Older Adults: An Intervention Model for Flourishing and Wellbeing

Abstract

This article explores whether digital communication technologies have applicability in reducing social isolation and loneliness among older adults. Issues of social isolation and loneliness among older adults are important as they are identified risk factors for mortality, disability, cognitive ability, depression and poor wellbeing. This problem is more urgent due to the Covid-19 pandemic which has required older adults to physically and socially distance from family, friends, neighbours, communities and health services. In the context of the present Covid-19 pandemic, this article is of interest to educators, social workers, community service providers, health service practitioners, gerontological scholars involved in preparing older adult communities for present and future traumatic events resulting in socially isolating experiences. The literature identified that use of technology to promote social connection and enhance wellbeing for older adults can be an effective intervention, but more information is needed as to what aspects of such interventions make them effective. This research advocates for improvement in wellbeing and social connectedness of older adults through consideration of interventions through a model for flourishing and wellbeing. The research contributes to our growing understanding of how to change the way we think, feel and act towards older adults, ageing and flourishing.

A scoping review of the impacts of COVID-19 physical distancing measures on vulnerable population groups

“…To safeguard vulnerable populations and meet their financial, health, education, food and housing needs during the COVID-19 pandemic, the following strategies have gained traction in the literature, that while speculative at this stage, merit policy considerations: (a) Leveraging technological prowess of autonomous systems and digital technologies through use of technologies such as social companion robots, to address social isolations faced by the older residents in care homes 22 – 25 and ICT to deliver health services, such as online counselling services by mental health professionals 10 , 22 – 25 , 132 , (b) Ensuring continuity of essential health services 129 , 132 , 157 , 162 and strengthening health service delivery capacity and use of telemedicine or home care services, to ensure treatment continuity for patients 205 – 207 , (c) Providing financial support for low-income populations in the forms of direct cash assistance, in-kind assistance, low-interest loans, tax reduction or rebates, and temporary relief funds or concessions for small businesses, and flexible payment options for utilities and other essential public services 35 , 87 , 93 , 96 , 99 , 113 , 114 , as well as rolling-out various unemployment benefits such as handouts or improving employability via upskilling and retraining 79 , 87 , 115 , (d) Establishing effective public communication for vulnerable populations who are socially isolated 132 , 139 , 158 , 192 and a comprehensive support package for them to ensure reliable access to necessities, such as food, housing/shelter, electricity, water and sanitation 85 , 93 , 104 , 106 , 157 , 162 , 208 , (e) Enhancing the capacity of the education sector to deliver online or home-based learning 31 – 37 , 75 , 76 and outreach services to support special needs students with learning difficulties 153 , and (f) Strengthening public finance to facilitate implementation of physical distancing measures 35 , 39 ,…”

“…To address mental health issues faced by older people when socially isolated, the use of technology is considered useful [22][23][24][25] . Information and communication technologies are found to help the older people maintain social connections with their loved ones, including attending virtual recreational activities (e.g., playing games) to mitigate loneliness and maintain their wellbeing when they are isolated at home or in LTC facilities 24 .…”

Being Called “Elderly” Impacts Adult Development: A Critical Analysis of Enduring Ageism During COVID in NZ Online News Media

“…Around 819,000 (17%) are aged over 65 years (StatsNZ, 2021 ). Recent research in New Zealand underscores a growing opposition among older adults to the term “elderly” (Amundsen, 2021a , 2021b , 2021c , 2021d , 2022a , 2022b ; Clement, 2021 ). Mather ( 2021 , p. 1) reports leading New Zealand gerontologist Dame Peggy Koopman-Boyden calling for change: “Don’t call us elderly!” In response to an increase in national policies aiming to address aging, health, and wellbeing inequities (Parr-Brownlie et al, 2020 ), a deconstruction of this persistent form of ageism in public media is long overdue to learn how aging is constructed during adulthood within national identities.…”

Digital Competencies for Digital Immigrants at the Intersection of Literature and Field

“…Dijital göçmenlerin ileri yaş düzeyindeki tüm mensupları için sosyal izolasyon, COVİD-19 pandemisi gibi olağanüstü koşullarda da sıklıkla gündeme gelen bir konu olmuştur. Bu çerçevede teknoloji, pek çok çalışmada yaşlı yetişkinlerin karşılaştığı sosyal katılım zorluklarının üstesinden gelmeye yardımcı olabilecek, sanal ve ortak faaliyetler yoluyla sosyal içermeyi kolaylaştırabilecek bir unsur olarak ele alınmıştır (Amundsen, 2021;Baecker vd., 2014;Baez vd., 2019).…”