Investigating the effectiveness of online interactive courses on loneliness and quality of life of older adults in the community during the COVID‐19 pandemic: A pilot study and a randomized controlled trial

Abstract

Background The early stage of the COVID‐19 pandemic was a critical time for increasing loneliness, especially for older people. However, there is insufficient existing research on associated interventions and their effectiveness. Aim This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of an 8‐week online interactive course on the loneliness, depression, social support, and quality of life (QOL) of older adults in the community during the COVID‐19 pandemic. Methods A single‐blind randomized controlled trial was conducted to collect data from a community in Taiwan. Eighty‐nine participants recruited from long‐term care institutions were randomly divided into an experimental group (n = 44) and a control group (n = 45). Participants in the experimental group received an 8‐week (Monday to Friday) intensive online interactive course, whereas those in the control group watched 8 weeks (Monday to Friday) of unidirectional online video programs. Results Significant differences were observed in the UCLA Loneliness Scale and in both the psychological health and social relationship domains of the WHO Quality of Life‐BREF Scale. In other words, compared with those in the control group, participants in the experimental group experienced more significant improvements in the state of their loneliness as well as QOL in the psychological health and social relationship domains (without the physical health/environment domains) after taking the online interactive course. Conclusions The results of this study showed that the 8‐week online interactive course could effectively improve the loneliness, the psychological health domain, and the social relationship domain of the QOL of the older adults of a particular community during the ongoing pandemic. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2023; 23: 91–97.

Poor Social Functioning: A Potentially Modifiable Risk Factor for Pneumonia in the Elderly

“…Therefore, it can potentially be improved through some interventions to increase social interaction. For example, a pilot study of a randomized controlled trial showed that an eight-week online interactive course using LINE reduced loneliness and improved the psychological health and social relationship domains of QOL among elderly individuals during the COVID-19 pandemic [ 9 ]. Further, a community-based interventional longitudinal study found that more frequent participation in eight-week social interaction sessions improved the QOL of elderly individuals when compared with less frequent participation.…”

“…For example, poor HRQOL was found to be a predictor of hospitalization and mortality among patients undergoing hemodialysis [ 7 ], while a separate study showed that having more social ties was associated with greater resistance to upper respiratory tract infections [ 8 ]. In addition, the results of a pilot randomized controlled trial conducted during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic demonstrated that in older adults an eight-week online interactive course using LINE (a freeware app for instant communications with exchanging texts, images, videos, and audios on electronic devices) reduced loneliness, as well as improved scores on the HRQOL domains of psychological health and social relationships [ 9 ]. Together, these findings suggest that the social aspect of HRQOL is modifiable and that it may be a risk factor for CAP.…”

Evaluating the Feasibility, Acceptance, and Beneficial Effects of Online Occupational Therapy for Post–COVID-19 Condition: Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial (ErgoLoCo Study)

“…In most fields of medicine, isolation measures during the COVID-19 pandemic led to further development of online care provision [ 17 - 19 ]. Digital treatment strategies hold great promise for individuals with PCS, who often experience impaired mobility, as these strategies facilitate therapy access and adherence [ 20 ].…”

Examining the effects of binaural beat music on sleep quality, heart rate variability, and depression in older people with poor sleep quality in a long‐term care institution: A randomized controlled trial

“…7 Especially during the COVID pandemic, the risks faced by older adults (particularly those in long-term care institutions) significantly increased, exacerbating their sense of isolation and leading to sleep disruptions, thereby aggravating sleep issues. [15][16][17][18][19][20] Transitioning to long-term care institutions often brings about challenges for older individuals, including the loss of familiar social networks and life goals, 21,22 difficulties in forming new relationships, 23 and apprehension about the quality of care. 24 These factors render them susceptible to anxiety and depression.…”

“…However, sleep quality problems in older people in long‐term care institutions were usually underestimated or overlooked 7 . Especially during the COVID pandemic, the risks faced by older adults (particularly those in long‐term care institutions) significantly increased, exacerbating their sense of isolation and leading to sleep disruptions, thereby aggravating sleep issues 15–20 …”