Social Connectedness and Communication Technology Among Paid and Unpaid Caregivers of Middle-Aged and Older Adults

Abstract

In older adulthood, individuals may experience acute and chronic stressors, such as the loss of independence, mobility, or the experience of chronic diseases. Loneliness is also a concern in older adulthood as many experience the loss of close others and smaller social networks. Loneliness is well-established as being associated with higher stress levels in younger adults, but there are mixed findings on the impact in older adulthood. Furthermore, while older adults may engage in behaviors designed to reduce and manage stress, it is not known whether these behaviors modulate the relationship between loneliness and chronic stress. The current study examined the relationship between loneliness and stress in older adulthood and the degree to which stress-management moderated this relationship (note: data collected prior to COVID-19 pandemic). We hypothesized that loneliness and perceived stress would be positively associated, but that stress-management would moderate this relationship. Participants included 40 healthy older adults (Mage= 69.18, Range:55-86yrs; 29 females) who completed the UCLA-Loneliness Scale, the Perceived Stress Scale, the NEO-FFI (to assess neuroticism), and demographic information about participation in stress management activities. We found that loneliness was significantly associated with chronic stress, r(38) = .539, p < .001. Furthermore, loneliness and neuroticism were significant predictors of perceived stress, F(2, 37) = 10.657, p < .001, R2 = .366. These findings demonstrate that loneliness is a significant predictor of perceived stress in older adulthood and point to a need for further exploration of effective stress-management tools in later life.

Pioneer thought leader and scientist: Dr. Marcia G. Ory and her contributions to aging and public health across the life course

“…Marcia continues to propel the spread of evidence-based programs for older adults by identifying how they can meet the triple health care aims of better health, better healthcare, and better value. Her research, based on sound public health concepts and methodologies, continues to challenge aging stereotypes, including our collaborative work on new technology use by both aging adults and their caregivers ( 13 , 14 ). Marcia didn't coin the term “healthy aging,” but she has undoubtedly helped to reconceptualize it as the new normal ( 15 ).…”