Emily A. Gadbois|Frances Jiménez|Joan F. Brazier|Natalie M. Davoodi|Amy Nunn|Whitney L. Mills|David Dosa|Kali S. Thomas
Findings From Talking Tech: A Technology Training Pilot Intervention to Reduce Loneliness and Social Isolation Among Homebound Older Adults
Providence College|Brown University|University of Chicago|Providence College|Brown University|Brown University|Providence College|Brown University|Providence College|Providence College|Brown University|Providence VA Medical Center|Center for Innovation|Providence College|Brown University|Providence VA Medical Center|Providence College|Brown University|Providence VA Medical Center|Center for Innovation
abstract background objectives social isolation loneliness common among older adults associated negative health outcomes including cognitive decline depression suicide ideation mortality information communication technology interventions often used combat loneliness social isolation however homebound older adults face barriers access study reports findings novel pilot intervention called talking tech designed reduce loneliness social isolation homebound older adults providing oneonone inhome technology training tablet internet promote digital literacy participation virtual senior center research design methods twentyone homebound older adults participated 14week volunteerdelivered program used qualitative interviews participants volunteers program staff weekly progress reports volunteers quantitative pre postintervention surveys participants examine experiences evaluate impact intervention loneliness social isolation qualitative data analyzed using content analysis pre postintervention survey data compared results participants reported increased technological literacy use increased access online activities improved facilitation social connections existing new networks additionally interviews many participants reported participating talking tech alleviated loneliness statistically significant quantitative analysis revealed trends toward decreased participant feelings loneliness increased technology use additionally intervention adoption retention high one participant withdrawing intervention discussion implications evaluation novel talking tech pilot intervention provides critical insights strategies reduce loneliness isolation older adults implications future research policy practice findings demonstrate individualized technology training may acceptable way improve wellbeing homebound older adults