The Impact of ICT Use on Loneliness and Contact with Others among Older Adults

Abstract

Purpose Older adults are at increased risk of experiencing loneliness and depression, particularly as they move into different types of care communities. 41 Information and communication technology (ICT) usage may help older adults to maintain contact with social ties. 12,19,41 However, prior research is not consistent in whether ICTs increase or decrease isolation and loneliness among older adults. 12,19,26,41 The purpose of this study is to examine how ICT use impacts the social isolation and loneliness of older adults in assisted and independent living communities. Method Data from an ongoing study of ICT usage among older adults in assisted and independent living communities in Alabama is used. Simple regression analyses were performed to determine the relationship between frequency of Internet use and isolation and loneliness. As the data comes from an intervention study (ICT training vs. No training), the analyses controlled for the arm of the study participants were in. Results & Discussion Results from post intervention surveys show that going online more frequently was associated with lower levels of loneliness and isolation. Greater frequency of Internet use was associated with greater quantity and ease of contact with others. Using the Internet may be beneficial for decreasing loneliness and increasing social contact among older adults in assisted and independent living communities.

Encouraging prosocial behavior from older adults through robot teleoperation: A feasibility study

“…of transportation, and health declines can limit the older adults' ability to travel and commute and thus can amplify their isolation (Cotton et al, 2012;Winstead et al, 2013). This isolation is also dangerous for older adults as isolation and loneliness have been shown to be heavily linked with the onset of dementia (Holwerda et al, 2012).…”

“…According to the studies done by Cotton et al (2012) and Winstead et al (2013), older adults can use communication technology to overcome social and spatial limitations. Winstead et al (2013) describe qualitative studies in which older adults in assisted living communities used technology such as Google Maps with Street View and virtual tours of cultural institutions to stay connected to places of sentimental value or to "visit" places of interest that were no longer accessible to them.…”

Can videoconferencing affect older people's engagement and perception of their social support in long-term conditions management: a social network analysis from the Telehealth Literacy Project

“…Frequent online activity for older people can improve their level of social support and reduce loneliness (Cotten et al . , Morris et al . ).…”

Inequality in Internet Use across Areas and Older Adults in Taiwan

“…Internet use assists older people to be connected with social network as well as the society, as a good tool to social participation and social connectedness [1,2]. The Word Summit on the Information Society sponsored by the United Nations in 2003 and 2005 has reached a consensus "to build a people-centered, inclusive and development-oriented Information Society, where everyone can create, access, utilize and share information and knowledge, enabling individuals, communities and peoples to achieve their full potential in promoting their sustainable development and improving their quality of life, premised on the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations and respecting fully and upholding the Universal Declaration of Human Rights" [3].…”

“…Internet use is beneficial to reduce cognitive decline [10], better well-being and having less depressive and anxiety symptoms [11,12] or as a moderator to mental health [13], and reducing loneliness [1,14]. For the frail elderly, an Internet-based videoconference system may help in providing support to them [15].…”