Noble Louise W, Olson Emma, Woodall Tasha, Jones Jeff, Smythe Thomas, Whitlock Cathy, Silver Meredith, Hewitt Lyndi, Lanou Amy J
NC Center for Health and Wellness, University of North Carolina Asheville, Asheville, NC, USA.
NC Center for Health and Wellness, University of North Carolina Asheville and University of North Carolina Chapel Hill, Gillings School of Public Health | NC Center for Health and Wellness, Asheville, NC, USA.
Gerontol Geriatr Med. 2022 Apr 4;8:23337214221083473. doi: 10.1177/23337214221083473. eCollection 2022 Jan-Dec.
Millions of Americans aged 65 are socially isolated and millions more report feeling lonely. Social isolation and loneliness in older adults were compounded by stay-at-home orders and other COVID-19 prevention measures. Although many Americans experienced no difficulties transitioning to the use of electronic devices as their primary means of communication and connection, some older adults were not similarly able to espouse this shift. Our aim was to reduce the impact of social isolation on older adults, increase their comfort in expressing feelings of loneliness, and assist them in acquiring technology skills and accessing telehealth and community supports. Participants received wellness calls for conversation, resource access and technology-based support. Most participants reported decreased loneliness and increased connectedness after the calls; half reported increased ease in expressing their feelings. Programs that provide phone-based support for older adults may reduce loneliness and increase social connectedness.
数以百万计65岁的美国人处于社会隔离状态，还有数百万人表示感到孤独。居家令和其他新冠疫情防控措施加剧了老年人的社会隔离和孤独感。尽管许多美国人在过渡到将电子设备作为主要沟通和联系方式时没有遇到困难，但一些老年人却无法同样顺利地适应这种转变。我们的目标是减少社会隔离对老年人的影响，增强他们表达孤独感的舒适度，并帮助他们掌握技术技能，获得远程医疗服务和社区支持。参与者通过健康关怀电话进行交流、获取资源并获得基于技术的支持。大多数参与者表示，通话后孤独感减轻，联系增多；一半的人表示表达情感变得更加轻松。为老年人提供电话支持的项目可能会减少孤独感，增强社会联系。
