How Technology Helps to Fight Social Isolation in Older Adults

The challenge of social isolation in older adults has always been an issue. But as the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic continue to wear on, the impact on older adults becomes even more clear.

Social distancing, also known as physical distancing, has been the recommended practice to slow the spread of the virus. This is especially the case for the elderly where they are more susceptible to the virus. Care facilities have had to limit or ban visits altogether to protect the older adults in their care.

Plus, as people began practicing social distancing, there has been a concurrent increase in social isolation and its associated effects. Older adults, persons with disabilities, and their caregivers are among the ones most impacted.

In this article, we’re taking a close look at social islation and the way that technology can be used to get people more connected with one another.

We will look at national, federal, and non-profit resources for using technology to combat social isolation. Finally, we’ll recommend a few apps, resources, and devices that can increase the social connectivity of the persons in our care.

Table of Contents

• What is Social Isolation?
• Using Technology to Avoid Social Isolation
• Opportunities for Fighting Social Isolation Through Technology
• Increasing Social Engagement with Technology
• Agency Resources
• Things to Consider
• Key Technology Options to Choose From
• Special Resources For Those With No Tech Skills or Internet Access
• Final Thoughts

What is Social Isolation?

To talk about the solutions to social isolation in older adults, we first need to talk about the underlying concepts.

Doing so is important as social isolation can be as bad for one’s health as smoking 15 cigarettes a day. It has also been linked to mental health issues in those affected.

Social isolation has a financial cost as well. Medicare spends $134 per month more for socially isolated older adults than for those who are connected.

Social Isolation versus Social Distancing

Social distancing means keeping a safe space between you and people that are not from your household to prevent the spread of a contagious disease. For COVID-19, that recommended distance is 6 feet for people who are not from your household.

On the other hand, social isolation is a serious health problem. This stems from a complete absence or near-complete absence of social connections.

Factors such as loss of mobility or independence, health, or financial issues can cut individuals off from normal social networks and lead them to be socially isolated.

So, practicing social distancing can lead to social isolation.

Social Isolation versus Loneliness

Now, social isolation is not the same as loneliness.

The AARP conducted a study on loneliness and social connections, and this quote from the report quickly summarizes the differences between the two.

Although social isolation and loneliness share similarities and frequently occur together, they are distinct and can occur independent of one another. Social isolation is objective, with measurable factors like the size of one’s social network, the frequency of contact with that network, availability of transportation, and the ability to take advantage of support resources. Loneliness is more personal and subjective — that is, how people perceive their experience and whether they feel they lack the connections, companionship or sense of belonging that we need as humans.

Using Technology to Avoid Social Isolation

The effects of the current pandemic will continue to be felt for a while, so practicing physical distancing will continue. Social isolation, which was a problem before COVID-19, will continue to worsen for older adults and persons with disabilities.

Thankfully, there are many ways to combat social isolation and help people feel more connected ot each other. This includes techniques that can help with your own isolation and ones that help support your family member.

In this post, we’ve specifically focusing on one angle – how you can use technology to decrease social isolation, particularly social isolation in older adults. There are many other approaches that you can use too and we’ve talked about many of these elsewhere. But, technology is important enough that it needs a post all of its own.

Why Turn To Technology?

We live in a very connected world. And the options for high-end to low-end technological solutions are there to help us keep connected.

Technology is powerful, as it makes it easy to connect across large distances. Technology also makes it easier to bring multiple people together at the same time, such as Zoom sessions that involve extended family members and friends from multiple households.

Seniors Are Surprisingly Adept with Tech

Now, many older adults may complain about new ways of doing things but that doesn’t mean they can’t learn it. In fact, many seniors have been experimenting with technology at higher rates since the pandemic.

Anecdotes from family and friends show older adults learning to use smartphones, apps, and other online resources to do things that they would normally do on their own. Or to try things they’ve never done before.

Other seniors have been using technology well the entire time.

Opportunities for Fighting Social Isolation Through Technology

1. A Cell Phone or a Smartphone

Yes, your smartphone is a simple tool for combating social isolation. Low-tech phones with calling and messaging features allow for interaction, while smartphones increase those capabilities as they offer real-time, face-to-face interactions, access to health, or information and resources.

Older adults and persons with disabilities can determine which ones they feel most comfortable with and we use that to keep connected. Yes, it’s not the same as physical interaction, but it’s a start and a move away from total isolation.

Smartphones have other advantages too. For example, there are many useful apps for seniors that work on smartphones and tablets, including games and practical apps.

2. Online Resources

There are options for online communities and classes, accessible through computers or tablets. If using a computer or tablet is not feasible for the older adult in your care, there are other options. Some communities and classes allow you to dial into conference lines and participate in remote telephone-based experiences.

Now, we need to remember that 1 in 5 older adults could use a bit of help in using online tools to stay connected. So, spending a little time to show them how to use the tools available will help them to take charge of their social interactions.

3. Wellness and Exercising

Isolation can and will affect the physical health and wellness of our older adults and persons with disabilities. Where COIVD-19 has impacted group exercise activities, there are other options – again helped through tech – that can address their physical and wellness needs.

There is an endless number of free YouTube and other exercise video options that you can work with the senior to select and save as favorites for future use. 

Many fitness and recreation centers, recognizing the demand, have moved their operations entirely virtual during this period.

You’ll even find that some places offer online personal training or fitness classes. The experience isn’t quite the same as being in the same room as the instructor, but a live class can still help to keep users engaged (even if they’re participating from their living room).

4. Access to Content

Technology can be used to provide access to content on the web related to books, videos, courses, and other types of educational and cultural resources. This gives persons in isolation or social distancing a chance to take their focus off their circumstances and interact with other resources that can bring them comfort.

Many such tools can offer some type of virtual contact with other people too, like through a messaging board. Some online courses even encourage or require students to collaborate with one another.

5. Online/Virtual Groups

There are options to join (or create them yourself) online and virtual groups that are organized around themes such as faith, fitness, movies, music, books, or cooking. Of course, there are other choices. So, you can see what interests the persons in your care enjoy most and build or join an online community around that.

Increasing Social Engagement with Technology

Technology isn’t just being used by individuals. Many agencies, organizations, and providers are looking at how they can use technology to support their users.

The Case of Area Agencies on Aging

During the height of the pandemic, the National Association for Area Agencies on Aging (n4a) activated additional technological solutions to deliver their services.

They moved 40% of traditional services such as evidence-based health promotion, wellness programs, or caregiver support to virtual platforms. They also held telethons and telephone reassurance programs to ensure wellness checks on vulnerable older adults.

As such, the n4a believes providers are well-positioned to distribute technology to older adults and caregivers.

• 86% of Area Agencies on Aging are looking to support clients that have limited or no technological access, or they also may have equipment but don’t know how to use it
• 83% are looking for technological solutions to address social isolation specifically
• 47% are looking to provide direct assistance on telehealth to clients and recognizing the health applications and impacts of social isolation.

So, given the agencies’ aims and successes, the next step becomes, how can they accomplish these goals? How will they get it done?

How Agencies Can Select Appropriate Tech Solutions

Based on best practices, these are the 6 steps that agencies and organizations have identified to create and select technology. Using them ensures that the tech becomes part of an instrumental set of tools used against social isolation.

1. Identifying specific hardware and software options available to increase social engagement
2. Defining how to use technology as a standalone tool, and how to blend technology effectively with in-person services
3. Creating person-centered programs
4. Creating programs that are disability-centered
5. Identifying resources for acquiring and distributing technology
6. Identifying training mechanisms for older adults and adults with disabilities to implement technology solutions designed to mitigate social isolation

Agency Resources for Using Technology to Combat Social Isolation

Now, in addition to following a process to identify tech solutions, these agencies have provided a variety of resources to help. There are several agency resources dedicated to providing educational material and programs on using technology for fighting social isolation.

Here, we outline 9 of them, what they’re about, and how to access the information.

The n4a launched an initiative called engAGED: The National Resource Center for Engaging Older Adults. It aims to share a positive vision of older adults in society and resources to keep them engaged. They also have a separate website where they share information, and resources on how to maintain social engagement.

Administration for Community Living (ACL)

The ACL offers a wealth of information, services, and resources “created around the fundamental principle that older adults and people of all ages with disabilities should be able to live where they choose, with the people they choose, and with the ability to participate fully in their communities.”

AARP

The AARP has two areas that offer resources tailored to caring for persons dealing with social isolation and loneliness.

The first is the AARP Foundation. It provides material to learn more about social isolation, find resources and tools to stay connected. Its signature program specifically created to foster social connectedness is located at connect2affect.org.

It also has the AARP community connections. Here you can find or start a mutual aid group, get assistance, or connect with people in your community.

Center for Aging Services Technologies (CAST)

CAST is leading the charge to expedite the development, evaluation, and adoption of emerging technologies that can improve the aging experience.

It has a program that focuses on the social connectedness technologies because of significant interest from its members in remaining connected to their loved ones in retirement communities and throughout the spectrum of aging services.

CAST distinguishes between two types of social connectedness technologies:

1. The first is focused on self-initiated connections like social networks, video chats, audio chats, between older adults and their friends and family
2. The other category is the ability to push content and prompts to get people, residents, and clients to engage more proactively through sharing life stories, information about community activities and events, group exercises, mental exercises, games, music, common interest groups, and facilitated communication.

Center for Inclusive Design and Engineering at the University of Colorado

Their accessibility services incorporate a blend of skilled technical testing, review by expert users of assistive technologies, and input from clinical experts from several rehabilitation disciplines.

Georgia Institute of Technology (Tools for Life & Pass It on Center)

Georgia’s Assistive Technology Act Program, provides access to and acquisition of assistive technology devices and services to individuals of all ages and all disabilities living in GA.

The Pass It On Center provides national and state resources to foster safe, effective, and appropriate reuse of assistive technology (AT) so that people with disabilities can get affordable AT they need to live, learn, work and play more independently in communities of their choice.

The options available under this program include:

• Local community assistive technology reuse program
• Reuse of assistive technology or even durable medical equipment
• Wheelchairs, walkers, hospital beds, canes, crutches

It often serves people waiting on insurance or waiting for approval and the reuse program helps fill in those gaps.

National Council on Independent Living (NCIL)

NCIL advances independent living and the rights of people with disabilities. It identifies local centers for independent living and learning about solutions and how AT can play a major role in this technology person-centered approach.

State Tech Distribution Programs

The State Grant for Assistive Technology Program

The State Grant for Assistive Technology Program supports state efforts to improve the provision of assistive technology to individuals with disabilities of all ages through comprehensive, statewide programs that are consumer responsive. It is an incredible resource, where you can get a list of the programs that are close to you.

National Assistive Technology Act Technical Assistance and Training (AT3)

The AT3 provides information about accessing assistive technology and direct services like training, demonstration programs, or equipment lending; information about funding education, and information about funding for assistive technology program acquisition.

Association of Assistive Technology Act Programs (ATAP)

The ATAP is a national, non-profit organization, which facilitates the coordination of states’ Assistive Technology Programs nationally and provides technical assistance and support to its members.

Individuals with disabilities, service providers, and others can learn about, access, and acquire assistive technology (AT) needed for education, employment, and community living.

Things to Consider When Selecting Technology to Compact Social Isolation in Older Adults

So now that we’ve looked at the resources available to help you learn more about using the available tech, it’s up to you help your loved ones to choose.

Before you start selecting, you should assess their specific needs. Look at their individual physical, personality, and behavioral characteristics. This will help you determine the best technological fit that will suit their needs.

The older adult should be included in this process as they will be the person using the tech. So, a person-centered approach to choosing the right tech is the best method if you want to get technology that fits and meets the functional needs of each individual and help them become more independent.

So, in doing your review process, here are a few key questions and concerns to address:

• What is necessary to match the device, the solution, the app, or the strategy to the individual?
• Do you need a low-tech or no-tech solution for the person?
• What functional skills or strengths does the older adult or person with disabilities have that the tech would suit?

Now, before you go ahead and order, it’s also important that they get to try things out before you select and buy. And that you assess training and education needs.

Education and Training

Education and training are two key areas that help people to adopt the technology that they need.

Here are a few things to consider about available training for the technology:

• The different training needs and learning styles of users – the older adult who will be using the tech and the care provider who will be setting it up.
• The various accessibility features that come with each tech choice. So, users would need to learn how to choose the correct features and how to access them.
• What support will be available for the technology to make it work for the intended persons?
• What resources are available for education and training. You can explore training services from the technology providers, AARP, public libraries, or Medicare. Platforms like YouTube offer tutorials on almost any piece of technology.

Key Technology Options to Choose From

Now that we’ve gotten some background on the process of choosing the tech, here are the options available for general use.

These are a variety of solutions to help older adults, people with disabilities, and their caregivers stay socially connected. The options include simple devices, software, or apps that facilitate communications to devices that restore mobility and allow the person to keep physical social interactions (though we limited the latter currently due to COVID-19).

Apps, Software, and Devices for Social Connection

Tablets or smartphones with video chat capabilities are one of the most used devices to enable connection.

Teleconferencing apps like Zoom, Google Hangouts and Google Meets enable video chat and improved social connections.

Voice-activated Amazon’s Alexa and Google Home or Google Home mini are excellent technological additions to improve access. They offer a simple user interface that is very intuitive and is capable of solving issues for individuals with vision impairment or those who do not like or know how to use a regular tablet or smartphones.

The layering of technologies is also a possibility. An app or software that is chosen by the person because they want to have it, can also host other types of interventions such as telehealth or virtual visits/check-in with a physician.

Other options for app use include personal care, safety, sign language, reading books and other documents, social engagement, brain exercise and mental health, medication management, and entertainment.

Special Resources For Those With No Tech Skills or Internet Access

Now, most of what we’ve looked at requires that you have someone who has at least basic tech skills to help persons set up their new tech. And that you have internet access. But what about technological solutions for persons who do not have either?

The good news is there are special programs to assist with integrating into the assistive technologies’ programs.

Subsidies to Access the Internet

The Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) lifeline program provides subsidies for discounted internet service, where available. If, for example, you only have access to satellite internet service, which can be extremely expensive, access to the lifeline program can reduce the cost of access.

Low Tech Options Through Well Connected

Well Connected is a nationally accessible program with a low-tech option for connectivity. You can connect with older adults either on the phone or online.

It was launched by an NGO called Covia and is based on providing mental, physical, emotional, social, and psychological support through having people talking and engaging in social activities. For low-tech options, the many local aging agencies can also help to identify such solutions.

Resources for Low Income Earners

Initiatives like the FCC Lifeline Program are ideal for persons in low-income households to gain access to technology. Some non-profits offer these technologies regardless of ability to pay.

Local senior centers and libraries can help you to find information about charitable funding, grant funding, and standard of care of those who serve lower-income populations.

Final Thoughts

Yes, we know this has been a long post. But we wanted to provide you with the best options and resources to support persons suffering from isolation and loneliness.

Technology access has the potential to truly impact our older adults, persons with disabilities, and their caregivers in meaningful ways. Because the problems of social isolation are a growing concern. And the pandemic has thrown light on many of the issues facing our population generally, and even more so our vulnerable.

So, if you are in charge of caring for your loved one, looking to develop a plan, or simply want to support persons in your community, you now know where to look for help for those in need.

And where you can, the low-cost options are great additions to persons living alone or in care homes. If we have missed any resource that can help older adults to access technological support, please feel free to drop it in the comments.

And also share the post to anyone who might need a bit of guidance on incorporating technology to combat social isolation in their loved ones’ lives.