Journal article
Internet Programming to Reduce Loneliness and Social Isolation in Aging
Research in gerontological nursing, Vol.13(5), pp.233-242
09/01/2020
DOI: 10.3928/19404921-20200320-01
PMID: 32286668
Abstract
Loneliness and social isolation in older adults carry mortality risks similar to cigarette smoking. The study aim was to use a Culturally Informed Healthy Aging (CIHA) assessment process in Housing and Urban Development (HUD) communities of older adults (N = 262). Through the CIHA assessment process, older adults identified pertinent health problems and the study team developed a health intervention, an Internet Information Station (IIS). The IIS pilot study included computer lesson participation (n = 261), written feedback (n = 42), and the revised University of California, Los Angeles (R-UCLA) Loneliness Scale (n = 11). Increased confidence with technology and connectedness were reported, and a significant difference in "There is no one I can turn to" was observed (IIS compared to non-IIS). The IIS remains an active site for interaction 1-year post intervention. These pilot results supplement the research on older adult engagement in problem identification, intervention design, and outcomes measurement.
Target: Older adults living in HUD communities.
Intervention Description: Through CIHA assessment, health problems were identified, and the IIS was developed and implemented.
Mechanisms of Action: Lessons were developed (e.g., computer basics, connecting with technology, open forum) and evaluated. Pre and post lesson, the R-UCLA Loneliness Scale measured social isolation and loneliness.
Outcomes: Older adults were engaged in problem identification, program development, and implementation. Feelings of connectedness improved; however, program evaluation with the R-UCLA scale was difficult to obtain.
Details
- Title: Subtitle
- Internet Programming to Reduce Loneliness and Social Isolation in Aging
- Creators
- Lindsay B. Mullins - Franciscan University of SteubenvilleLisa Skemp - Loyola Univ, Marcella Niehoff Sch Nursing, Hlth Syst Leadership & Policy, Chicago, IL 60611 USADavid ReedMyra Emerson
- Resource Type
- Journal article
- Publication Details
- Research in gerontological nursing, Vol.13(5), pp.233-242
- Publisher
- Slack Inc
- DOI
- 10.3928/19404921-20200320-01
- PMID
- 32286668
- ISSN
- 1940-4921
- eISSN
- 1938-2464
- Number of pages
- 10
- Language
- English
- Date published
- 09/01/2020
- Academic Unit
- Nursing
- Record Identifier
- 9984383892502771
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