Effects of social technology on older adults in a residential living facility
| Autor: | Alexandrea C Springer, Katherine Bennett, Sydney L Harper, Jeanne Sowers, Kaeli M Jeffers, Madison N Logan, Mia L Gonzalez |
|---|---|
| Rok vydání: | 2021 |
| Předmět: |
Gerontology
020205 medical informatics Loneliness 02 engineering and technology 03 medical and health sciences Social support 0302 clinical medicine Social technology 0202 electrical engineering electronic engineering information engineering medicine 030212 general & internal medicine medicine.symptom Social isolation Psychology |
| Zdroj: | Student Journal of Occupational Therapy. 2:1-14 |
| ISSN: | 2689-1662 |
| DOI: | 10.46409/001.mcfl9362 |
| Popis: | Personal connection and social interaction are vital components of health throughout the lifespan. Loneliness and social isolation among the older adult population impacts both physical and mental health negatively. Analysis of published research demonstrates the importance of considering the use of different social technology platforms to foster opportunities for social support among family and friends. Researchers noted an increased relevance of the need for social technology in residential living facilities with the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic and social distancing. The study aims to investigate the impact of social technology, via Sherish℠ Connect on older adults’ reported levels of loneliness and social isolation within a residential living facility. The seven participants used Sherish℠ Connect, a television-based photo-sharing application, for a minimum of one month prior to data collection. Data was collected via survey responses and medical records review to determine the effect of the Sherish℠ Connect intervention on participants’ perceived loneliness. Six participants reported using Sherish℠ Connect weekly or daily. All participants reported Sherish℠ Connect provided comfort. Social technology platforms offer an opportunity for social support among family and friends. Sherish℠ Connect, given a larger sample and increased duration of use, has the potential to combat loneliness and social isolation and provide comfort for older adults. Researchers hope this study provides baseline research that inspires additional studies investigating Sherish℠ Connect. The utilization of social technology adds value to occupational therapy intervention for mental health and social participation, particularly during the unprecedented time of COVID-19. |
| Databáze: | OpenAIRE |
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