Social Networks, Use of Communication Technology, and Loneliness of Frail Older People Ageing in Place in Italy: The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

The study explored how the lockdown, following the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in Italy (February–May 2020), impacted frail older people needing Long-Term Care (LTC) and living alone at home in Brescia and Ancona. These two urban cities were differently affected by the pandemic, with a major degree of infections and deaths in the former. In July–September 2020, a follow-up study of the IN-AGE research project (2019) was carried out in both cities, involving 41 older respondents by telephone, to detect the impact of the health emergency on their social networks, use of communication technology, social isolation, and loneliness. Findings showed that the use of communication tools was overall expanded, and seniors increased telephone (TEL) contacts, especially in Ancona. In both cities, fears for the infection emerged too, and mainly in Ancona than Brescia, several cases of worsened perceived loneliness were detected. Despite the exploratory/descriptive nature of the study, with a not-representative sample of the population and notwithstanding some differences among cities, the findings stressed the risk of isolation and loneliness for seniors living alone. This risk was buffered by the use of communication technology during the lockdown, but more interventions allowing sustainable healthy ageing (HA) in place and enhancing healthy behaviours, especially in emergency situations, are needed.

Navigating Uncertainty: Experiences of Older Adults in Wuhan during the 76-Day COVID-19 Lockdown

“…For instance, numerous older individuals embarked on the journey of acquiring new social media skills and utilized them to foster emotional connections and forge solidarity with others. Although previous studies have highlighted the advantages of social media usage among older adults [38,39], the current study showed that older adults not only actively engaged with social media, but displayed a willingness to learn new tools. However, they were also consciously cautious about unreliable information on social media platforms.…”

Perceived Loneliness, Social Isolation, and Social Support Resources of Frail Older People Ageing in Place Alone in Italy

“…The findings of this study come from a purposive sample that the authors selected to have a typological, rather than statistical, representativeness. Thus, the findings can only have a theoretical generalisation, as overall contribution to a debate on the explored issues [120]. Furthermore, the authors did not provide a more in-depth quantitative analysis of the findings, also considering statistical values such as p and SD values (respectively, significance level and standard deviation), even though this could enrich the study with additional and more punctual considerations.…”