Effects of a social internet-based intervention programme for older adults: An explorative randomised crossover study

Abstract

Introduction: Restraints and changes in social activities might contribute to loneliness and health decline for older adults. To reduce loneliness and support activities, social internet-based interventions are indicated to be effective. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of a social internet-based intervention for older adults who are vulnerable to loneliness. Method: An explorative, randomised, crossover study with an AB/BA sequence was completed. The intervention was conducted over a period of three months. Thirty participants were included (24 women and six men, 61-89 years old) and allocated to two groups. Data were collected at three time points. The primary outcome was the UCLA loneliness scale, and the secondary outcomes were satisfaction with social contacts and social interaction skills. Statistical analyses were conducted with the paired t-test, Wilcoxon's signed-rank test and repeated-measures analysis of variance. Results: Loneliness was significantly decreased in both groups post intervention, and satisfaction with social contacts online significantly increased in one group. Significant treatment effects were detected for all outcomes. Conclusion: The results of the social internet-based intervention programme are promising, but further evaluations are needed.

Exploring potential in participation mediated by digital technology among older adults

“…Through information on the Internet and telehealth, older adults have more possibilities to become better informed about health issues and empowered in the management of their health (Cresci & Novak, 2012;Leist, 2013). Internet use has the potential to make older adults feel less lonely and more connected to society (e.g., Gatto & Tak, 2008;Larsson, Padyab, Larsson-Lund, & Nilsson, 2016). The Internet can provide seniors opportunities to develop engagement in occupations and to participate in society based on their preferences (Larsson, Larsson-Lund, & Nilsson, 2013a).…”

Developing social contact and participation in social activities: Seniors’ experiences from a social internet-based intervention process

“…The informants in this study were recruited from the earlier explorative randomized controlled intervention study, which is more thoroughly described elsewhere 20 . In brief, the former explorative intervention study had a crossover design and involved 30 participants who were randomized to a fall or spring group and received three months of intervention during the intervention period.…”

“…S o c i a l i n t e r n e t -b a s e d i n t e r v e n t i o n curity, and technological barriers and support reduced loneliness, social activities and participation. The intervention focuses on individually adapted and goal-directed actions to facilitate seniors' individual and group-based participation in SIBAs 19,20 . The intervention has shown positive results, including reduced self-reported loneliness and a potential increase in satisfaction with social contacts on the Internet.…”

“…In this study, participants from the previous explorative intervention study 20 were recruited using a purposeful sampling method. The study took place in a mid-size city in northern Sweden.…”

Exploring How Older People Living at Home Alone Occupy Their Time – A Time-Geographic Study

“…As older people living alone find meaning in spending time with family and friends, support to facilitate access to family and friends is also important. As social participation contributes to healthy aging (Kikuchi et al, 2017;Larsson et al, 2016;Nilsson et al, 2018) community-based services to create opportunities for engagement with others may decrease the risk of loneliness among older people.…”