Improving Social Support for Older Adults Through Technology: Findings From the PRISM Randomized Controlled Trial

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Abstract

<div class="section"> <a class="named-anchor" id="s1">  </a> <h5 class="section-title" id="d3370581e189">Objectives</h5> <p id="d3370581e191">Information and communication technology holds promise in terms of providing support and reducing isolation among older adults. We evaluated the impact of a specially designed computer system for older adults, the Personal Reminder Information and Social Management (PRISM) system. </p> </div><div class="section"> <a class="named-anchor" id="s2">  </a> <h5 class="section-title" id="d3370581e194">Design, Setting, and Participants</h5> <p id="d3370581e196">The trial was a multisite randomized field trial conducted at 3 sites. PRISM was compared to a Binder condition wherein participants received a notebook that contained paper content similar to that contained in PRISM. The sample included 300 older adults at risk for social isolation who lived independently in the community ( <i>M</i> <sub>age</sub> = 76.15 years). Primary outcome measures included indices of social isolation, social support, loneliness, and well-being. Secondary outcome measures included indices of computer proficiency and attitudes toward technology. Data were collected at baseline and at 6 and 12 months post-randomization. </p> </div><div class="section"> <a class="named-anchor" id="s3">  </a> <h5 class="section-title" id="d3370581e205">Results</h5> <p id="d3370581e207">The PRISM group reported significantly less loneliness and increased perceived social support and well-being at 6 months. There was a trend indicating a decline in social isolation. Group differences were not maintained at 12 months, but those in the PRISM condition still showed improvements from baseline. There was also an increase in computer self-efficacy, proficiency, and comfort with computers for PRISM participants at 6 and 12 months. </p> </div><div class="section"> <a class="named-anchor" id="s4">  </a> <h5 class="section-title" id="d3370581e210">Discussion</h5> <p id="d3370581e212">The findings suggest that access to technology applications such as PRISM may enhance social connectivity and reduce loneliness among older adults and has the potential to change attitudes toward technology and increase technology self-efficacy. </p> </div>

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Impact of Internet Use on Loneliness and Contact with Others Among Older Adults: Cross-Sectional Analysis

Shelia Cotten, William A Anderson, Brandi McCullough (2013)

Background Older adults are at increased risk of experiencing loneliness and depression, particularly as they move into different types of care communities. Information and communication technology (ICT) usage may help older adults to maintain contact with social ties. However, prior research is not consistent about whether ICT use increases or decreases isolation and loneliness among older adults. Objective The purpose of this study was to examine how Internet use affects perceived social isolation and loneliness of older adults in assisted and independent living communities. We also examined the perceptions of how Internet use affects communication and social interaction. Methods One wave of data from an ongoing study of ICT usage among older adults in assisted and independent living communities in Alabama was used. Regression analysis was used to determine the relationship between frequency of going online and isolation and loneliness (n=205) and perceptions of the effects of Internet use on communication and social interaction (n=60). Results After controlling for the number of friends and family, physical/emotional social limitations, age, and study arm, a 1-point increase in the frequency of going online was associated with a 0.147-point decrease in loneliness scores (P=.005). Going online was not associated with perceived social isolation (P=.14). Among the measures of perception of the social effects of the Internet, each 1-point increase in the frequency of going online was associated with an increase in agreement that using the Internet had: (1) made it easier to reach people (b=0.508, P<.001), (2) contributed to the ability to stay in touch (b=0.516, P<.001), (3) made it easier to meet new people (b=0.297, P=.01, (4) increased the quantity of communication with others (b=0.306, P=.01), (5) made the respondent feel less isolated (b=0.491, P<.001), (6) helped the respondent feel more connected to friends and family (b=0.392, P=.001), and (7) increased the quality of communication with others (b=0.289, P=.01). Conclusions Using the Internet may be beneficial for decreasing loneliness and increasing social contact among older adults in assisted and independent living communities.