Objectives In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, older adults are advised to follow social distancing measures to prevent infection. However, such measures may increase the risk of loneliness. The current study aimed to investigate (1) whether social distancing measures, particularly limiting close social interactions, are associated with loneliness among older adults, and (2) whether the association between social distancing measures and loneliness is moderated by sociodemographic characteristics. Methods Data were from the fourth wave (April 29 to May 26, 2020) of the nationally representative Understanding America Study COVID-19 Survey. We used data on adults 50 years or older (N = 3,253). Logistic regression models of loneliness were performed. Five indicators of social distancing measures were considered: (a) avoiding public spaces, gatherings, or crowds, (b) canceling or postponing social activities, (c) social visits, (d) no close contact (within 6 feet) with people living together, and (e) with people not living together. Results Cancelling or postponing social activities and avoiding close contact with people living together were associated with 33% (OR=1.33, CI=1.06−1.68, p < .05) and 47% (OR=1.47, CI=1.09−1.99, p < .05) greater odds of loneliness, respectively. Furthermore, limiting close contact with co-residents increased the probability of loneliness more for males, non-Hispanic Whites, those with higher levels of education and income. Discussion Efforts should be made to help older adults maintain social connectedness with close others by virtual communication methods. Our findings also call special attention to vulnerable groups at elevated risks of loneliness, emphasizing the need for tailored interventions.

Background and Objectives Existing literature presents a widening digital divide among older adults in addition to the consideration of the potential adverse impacts of ageism on internet use among the older adult population. Our study aimed to investigate (1) whether older adults’ perceived ageism will be associated with their use of the internet and (2) whether the relationship between perceived ageism and internet use will be moderated by age groups and binary gender. Research Design and Method Using the data from the 2016 Health and Retirement Study, regression analyses were separately performed by gender. Two measures of perceived ageism were considered: (1) self-perception of aging and (2) perceived age discrimination. Results Our findings suggested that greater exposure to ageism is generally related to less use of the internet. In addition, we found divergent patterns in the relationship between ageism and internet use by gender. For women, a lower level of internet use was predicted by more negative perceptions of aging, whereas men’s internet use was associated with the experience of age discrimination. Furthermore, interaction effects between age groups and ageism varied across gender. The negative perception of aging was more strongly associated with less internet use in older women than middle-aged women. In comparison, the perceived age discrimination predicted less internet use in middle-aged men than older men. Discussion and Implications Our findings suggest that perceived ageism is significantly associated with internet use, and its association differs by gender.

Purpose: Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), an emerging infectious disease introduced in South Korea in 2020. Medically inclined college students are more susceptible to be infected by the virus. The purpose of this study was to investigate factors influencing preventive behavior against COVID-19 among medically inclined college students.Methods: This is a cross-sectional study using a questionnaire survey. Data were collected from 400 medically inclined college students from four colleges of medice. Independent t-test, one-way ANOVA, Pearson correlation coefficients and multiple regression analysis were conducted to analysis the data.Results: The study subjects had high knowledge and optimism related to COVID-19. Preventive behavior against COVID-19 was affected mostly by attitude (β=.32, <i>p</i><.001). Such behavior was also high in relation to knowledge (β=.17, <i>p</i><.001), and nursing students (β=.15, <i>p</i>=.002).Conclusion: Infection prevention education for medically inclined college students mainly focuses on knowledge transfer. Infection preventive education programs aimed at improving COVID-19 optimistic attitudes and knowledge are helpful for these students to maintain appropriate preventive practices. The confirmation of the importance of optimistic attitudes and risk perception toward infectious diseases through this study can provide insight into infection prevention education programs to improve practice to wards new epidemic prevention behaviors.

The purpose of this research is to examine the predictors of smartphone uses for health information-seeking (SHIS) in the Korean elderly. This research applies the comprehensive model of information seeking as a theoretical framework. Data reported in this study are from the 2016 Dementia Literacy Survey, and 235 elderly smartphone users were included in logistic regression model. SHIS was significantly predicted by younger age, higher education levels, having a regular exercise, higher medical expenditures, and health literacy. The findings of this study can help social workers understand the specific features of health information seeking in the Korean elderly.

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