Alleviating Loneliness in Older Adults: The Role of Technology and Tablets
Loneliness and social isolation have become significant health concerns, particularly among older adults. As people age, they may face challenges like the loss of friends and loved ones, physical limitations, or reduced mobility, which can lead to social isolation and loneliness. Research has shown that these feelings of isolation can have serious physical and mental health consequences. This is a significant public health concern for isolated older adults.
Fortunately, technology, including tablets, offers a promising solution to combat these issues and improve the overall well-being of older adults. Technology holds the potential to bridge the isolation gap and alleviate loneliness in older adults. At Tech for Seniors, we feel a tablet is one of the most accessible and user-friendly technological tools for this purpose.
In our mission, we often work with older adults who have little or no previous experience with technology. Additionally, they often do not have the financial means to purchase technology and training. This is our target audience.
In working with this audience, our objectives are modest. Our tablets and learning programs seek to engage these older adults in the following areas.
1. Video Calls: Tablets allow older adults to connect with family and friends through video calls. Research conducted by AARP in 2020 found that 58% of adults aged 70 and older used video calling platforms to maintain social connections during the COVID-19 pandemic. This technology enables face-to-face interactions even when physical distance separates loved ones.
2. Mental Stimulation: Tablets offer a wide range of mental stimulation activities, such as brain-engaging games and access to educational content. A study in the Journal of Medical Internet Research in 2019 indicated that cognitive training through digital platforms can improve cognitive functioning and overall well-being in older adults.
3. Access to News and Public Engagement: Tablets grant older adults access to news, enabling them to stay informed about current events and engage in conversations about important issues. This not only keeps them mentally active but also fosters a sense of connection to the wider world.
4. Staying Connected: Beyond personal connections, tablets allow older adults to stay connected with their broader communities through virtual events, such as online book clubs, lectures, and religious services. This sense of belonging can be a powerful antidote to loneliness.
Loneliness and social isolation among older adults are critical public health issues with far-reaching consequences. However, the integration of technology, particularly tablets, into the lives of older adults offers a promising solution. By facilitating virtual connections with loved ones, enabling participation in online communities, providing mental stimulation, granting access to telehealth services, and fostering engagement with news and public events, tablets can significantly improve the overall well-being of older adults.
As we continue to age, it’s essential to recognize the importance of harnessing technology to combat loneliness. The research shows that these devices can be instrumental in enhancing the social connections, mental health, and overall quality of life of older adults, ultimately leading to a happier, healthier, and more fulfilling later life. It’s time to embrace technology as a valuable tool in the fight against loneliness among our elderly population.
—
Bibliography
The Tech for Seniors efforts are informed by data drawn from a diverse collection of research and expertise. Here are some of those resources:
Balki E, Hayes N, Holland C. Loneliness and older adults: psychological resilience and technology use during the COVID-19 pandemic-a cross sectional study. Front Aging. 2023 Jun 26
Perissinotto, C. M., Stijacic Cenzer, I., & Covinsky, K. E. (2012). Loneliness in older persons: a predictor of functional decline and death. JAMA Internal Medicine, 172(14), 1078-1084.
Hawkley, L. C., & Cacioppo, J. T. (2010). Loneliness matters: a theoretical and empirical review of consequences and mechanisms. Annals of Behavioral Medicine, 40(2), 218-227.
AARP. (2020). COVID-19 and Mental Health: A Survey of Older Adults. Retrieved from https://www.aarp.org/research/topics/health/info-2020/mental-health-covid-19.html
Primack, B. A., Shensa, A., Sidani, J. E., Whaite, E. O., Lin, L. Y., Rosen, D., … & Miller, E. (2017). Social media use and perceived social isolation among young adults in the US. PLoS ONE, 12(6), e0179618.
Lampit, A., Hallock, H., & Valenzuela, M. (2014). Computerized cognitive training in cognitively healthy older adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis of effect modifiers. PLoS Medicine, 11(11), e1001756.
Chopik, W. J. (2016). The benefits of social technology use among older adults are mediated by reduced loneliness. Cyberpsychology, Behavior, and Social Networking, 19(9), 551-5561
Gioia, F., D’Aloia, A., & Fasano, F. (2021). The role of technology in reducing social isolation and loneliness among older adults: A systematic review. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 18(5), 23602
Novotney, A. (2019). The link between loneliness and technology. Monitor on Psychology, 50(5), 363
Cotten, S. R., Anderson, W. A., & McCullough, B. M. (2013). Impact of internet use on loneliness and contact with others among older adults: Cross-sectional analysis. Journal of Medical Internet Research, 15(2), e391
Kahlbaugh, P. E., Sperandio, A. J., Carlson, A. L., & Hauselt, J. (2011). Effects of playing Wii on well-being in the elderly: Physical activity, loneliness, and mood. Activities, Adaptation & Aging, 35(4), 331-3442
Masi, C. M., Chen, H. Y., Hawkley, L. C., & Cacioppo, J. T. (2011). A meta-analysis of interventions to reduce loneliness. Personality and Social Psychology Review, 15(3), 219-2663