Impact of technology on social isolation: Longitudinal analysis from the National Health Aging Trends Study

Abstract

Background Social isolation is a key public health concern and has been associated with numerous negative health consequences. Technology is increasingly thought of as a solution to address social isolation. This study examines the longitudinal association between the access and use of technology and social isolation in older adults 65 and older, living in the United States. Methods This observational cohort study included community‐dwelling older adults (N = 6704) who participated in the National Health and Aging Trends Study. Regression analyses were conducted using data from 2015 to 2019. Information about technology access and use was ascertained using self‐reported questionnaires. The primary outcome was the risk of social isolation. Results At baseline, the majority of older adults that were not socially isolated had a working cell phone (88%) or computer (71%) and used email or text messaging (56%). Older adults that had access to (cell phone‐ incidence rate ratio [IRR] 0.62 [95% CI 0.48–0.81]; computer‐ IRR 0.63 [95% CI 0.51–0.78]), and used technology (email or text messaging‐ IRR 0.64 [95% CI 0.51–0.80]) in the year prior had a lower risk of social isolation than older adults who reported they did not access or use technology. Additionally, over four years, older adults who reported that they had access to a computer had a lower risk (0.69 [0.57, 0.84]) for social isolation than their counterparts. Conclusion In this cohort study, technology access was associated with a lower risk for social isolation among community‐dwelling older adults. These findings suggest that technology has an important role in approaches that seek to prevent social isolation among older adults.

Evidence-informed and community-based strategies are essential to developing affordable and accessible technology-based interventions to prevent social isolation among older adults and promote their well-being and quality of life

“…Umoh et al conducted an ‘observational cohort study included community-dwelling older adults (N=6704) who partook in the National Health and Aging Trends Study (NHATS)’ 1. Using data from 2015 to 2019, regression analyses were employed 1. The authors used self-report questionnaires to verify information regarding technology access and use.…”

“…The authors used self-report questionnaires to verify information regarding technology access and use. 1 ‘ The main concern was the risk for social isolation 1…”

“…Social isolation is a fundamental public health problem, and it has significant negative effect on the healthcare system along with surge in ageing population 1–3. Furthermore, social isolation is linked with increased mortality rate, cognitive and functional decline among older adults 1 2 4.…”

“…Social isolation is a fundamental public health problem, and it has significant negative effect on the healthcare system along with surge in ageing population 1–3. Furthermore, social isolation is linked with increased mortality rate, cognitive and functional decline among older adults 1 2 4. While the impact of technology on seniors’ social isolation has been somewhat explored, research on the access and use of basic technology and social engagement among seniors are little 1 2.…”

“…Furthermore, social isolation is linked with increased mortality rate, cognitive and functional decline among older adults 1 2 4. While the impact of technology on seniors’ social isolation has been somewhat explored, research on the access and use of basic technology and social engagement among seniors are little 1 2. Umoh et al aimed to study ‘the longitudinal association between the access and use of technology and social isolation in older adults 65 and older living in the United States’ 1…”