The impact of technology on older adults’ social isolation

Khosravi, Pouria; Rezvani, Azadeh; Wiewiora, Anna

doi:10.1016/j.chb.2016.05.092

Cited by 308 publications

(265 citation statements)

References 64 publications

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“…Those who have lost their partner, have transportation issues, have poor health, have fewer family or friends, or who have limited contact with others are at risk of social isolation. Loneliness has been linked to poor cognitive functioning, impaired sleep and daytime dysfunction, impaired mental health, and even Alzheimer's disease [16]. Research has shown that loneliness can be as harmful to our health and quality of life as smoking 15 cigarettes a day [17], highlighting the importance of addressing this growing challenge among older adults.…”

Section: Social Isolation and Lonelinessmentioning

confidence: 99%

Supporting Optimal Aging through the Innovative Use of Virtual Reality Technology

Hughes

Warren-Norton

Spadafora

et al. 2017

MTI

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Although virtual reality (VR) technology has been implemented as a tool to address the health issues of older adults, its applicability to social connectedness is underrepresented in the literature, and less is known about its efficacy in this area in contributing to overall wellness and well-being in later life. Expanding the VR possibilities beyond traditional entertainment purposes holds considerable potential for the older adult market. Technological tools have been employed in the elder health care field for many years, and cutting-edge developments such as virtual and augmented reality have begun to be used to facilitate optimal wellness in aging. Such technological advances have the potential to significantly impact one of the most important issues that older people face: social isolation and loneliness. This paper will serve as an introductory exploration of what is currently known about the use of virtual reality technology with an older cohort.

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Section: Social Isolation and Lonelinessmentioning

confidence: 99%

Supporting Optimal Aging through the Innovative Use of Virtual Reality Technology

Hughes

Warren-Norton

Spadafora

et al. 2017

MTI

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“…The proposed technology must enhance the ageing experience and deliver positive outcomes in terms of how residents live in residential settings. In keeping with the literature, the technology needs to support resident independence [15], social connection [21,23], and physical liberty [16,17]. In line with expressions of rights for older people domiciled in residential homes [27,28], and the European convention on human rights [29], new systems should respect an older adult's privacy and choice.…”

Section: New Approach and Addressing Gapsmentioning

confidence: 99%

The Design of New Technology Supporting Wellbeing, Independence and Social Participation, for Older Adults Domiciled in Residential Homes and/or Assisted Living Communities

Cahill¹

2018

Technologies

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Purpose:The purpose of this study is to identify and validate the requirements for new technology supporting wellness, independence and social participation for older people domiciled in residential homes and/or assisted-living communities. Method: This research adopts a stakeholder evaluation approach to requirements elicitation and user interface design. Specifically, the study design combines several qualitative human-machine interaction (HMI) design frameworks/methods, including realist ethnography, scenario-based design, persona-based design, and participatory design. Findings: New technology should reflect positive values around ageing and link to psychosocial models of successful ageing, and biopsychosocial models of health and wellbeing. Resident autonomy, wellness and social participation cannot be conceptualized outside an understanding of the relationships older adults have with others. The design remit for this technology is to enable a resident experience that is similar to living at home. New technologies should facilitate wellness and communication/connection, and not simply risk assessment. New technology provides an opportunity to bridge existing information gaps between care planning, care assessments and daily care. Overall this technology needs to be intuitive and uphold the resident's dignity and rights. Person-to-person interaction is central to care delivery. The introduction of new technology should enhance this interaction, and not threaten it. Conclusions: Future assisted-living (AL) technology should be premised by biopsychosocial models of wellness and support relationships between older adults and members of the personal and professional community. New assisted-living technology affords the possibility for improved social relationships, enhanced wellbeing, better quality of care, and independence. Such technologies require careful consideration in relation to adapting to age/condition and managing issues pertaining to resident consent, privacy and human contact.

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“…Among the many forms of ICT use commonly examined in older adults, ranging from the Internet, e-mail, and social networking use to robotics and telecare systems [8], we focused on “general ICT use” – using computing devices that provide Internet connectivity, such as computers, tablets, and smartphones. Psychosocial studies on ICT use among older adults have examined its effects on different aspects of psychological well-being and social relationships [9] as well as on loneliness [10].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Loneliness Shapes the Relationship between Information and Communications Technology Use and Psychological Adjustment among Older Adults

et al. 2019

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Background: Given findings that generally support the benefits of information and communication technology (ICT) for older adults’ psychosocial adjustment, one might surmise that lonely older adults, who have a stronger need for psychological support, would reap more psychosocial benefits from ICT use. However, scant research has examined this view, much less the likelihood that ICT use might worsen the psychological well-being of lonely older adults, as has been shown to be the case in younger adults. Objective: To examine whether the association between ICT use and psychological adjustment (i.e., psychological distress and sense of community [SOC]) among older adults depends on their loneliness levels. Methods: A representative sample of 738 Hong Kong SAR Chinese older adults aged 60 years or older (56% female) was interviewed in 2017 on loneliness, frequency of ICT use (i.e., Internet and smart devices), psychological distress (6-item Kessler scale; K6), and SOC. Results: Regression analyses showed that loneliness significantly moderated the relationship between ICT use frequency and psychological adjustment (psychological distress and SOC); more frequent ICT use was associated with more psychological distress and less SOC, with higher levels of loneliness. Conclusion: These findings suggest that ICT use may be a mixed blessing for older adults, i.e., using more ICT might predict worse psychological adjustment among lonelier older adults. Efforts that promote ICT use among older adults should take their loneliness levels into account.

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The impact of technology on older adults’ social isolation

Cited by 308 publications

References 64 publications

Supporting Optimal Aging through the Innovative Use of Virtual Reality Technology

Supporting Optimal Aging through the Innovative Use of Virtual Reality Technology

The Design of New Technology Supporting Wellbeing, Independence and Social Participation, for Older Adults Domiciled in Residential Homes and/or Assisted Living Communities

Loneliness Shapes the Relationship between Information and Communications Technology Use and Psychological Adjustment among Older Adults

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