This research study is about addressing loneliness and social isolation among older adults. It was conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic to measure the impact of technology to address loneliness and social isolation. The results indicate a need for technology-assisted interventions to be designed and delivered with older adult’s values, motivations and capabilities in mind. The main findings of the study indicate:
- Addressing loneliness and social isolation among older adults was a key concern for nearly all older adults
- Telephone calls were the most common means of social interaction but some also used smartphones for making video calls
- Older adults used technology during the pandemic to help address loneliness and social isolation and many continue to use technology now that pandemic-related social restrictions have been lifted.