The Social Bridging Project: Intergenerational Phone-Based Connections With Older Adults During the COVID-19 Pandemic

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  • Noble, L.W.
    • Other Affiliation: University of North Carolina Asheville
  • Olson, E.
    • Affiliation: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
  • Woodall, T.
    • Affiliation: Eshelman School of Pharmacy
  • Jones, J.
    • Other Affiliation: Johns Hopkins University
  • Smythe, T.
    • Other Affiliation: University of North Carolina Asheville
  • Whitlock, C.
    • Other Affiliation: University of North Carolina Asheville
  • Silver, M.
    • Affiliation: Carolina Population Center
  • Hewitt, L.
    • Other Affiliation: University of North Carolina Asheville
  • Lanou, A.J.
    • Affiliation: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Abstract
  • Millions of Americans aged 65+ are socially isolated and millions more report feeling lonely. Social isolation and loneliness in older adults were compounded by stay-at-home orders and other COVID-19 prevention measures. Although many Americans experienced no difficulties transitioning to the use of electronic devices as their primary means of communication and connection, some older adults were not similarly able to espouse this shift. Our aim was to reduce the impact of social isolation on older adults, increase their comfort in expressing feelings of loneliness, and assist them in acquiring technology skills and accessing telehealth and community supports. Participants received wellness calls for conversation, resource access and technology-based support. Most participants reported decreased loneliness and increased connectedness after the calls; half reported increased ease in expressing their feelings. Programs that provide phone-based support for older adults may reduce loneliness and increase social connectedness.
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  • Article
Rights statement
  • In Copyright
License
  • Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International
Journal title
  • Gerontology and Geriatric Medicine
Journal volume
  • 8
Language
  • English
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  • Publisher
Funder
  • University of North Carolina, UNC
ISSN
  • 2333-7214
Publisher
  • SAGE Publications Ltd

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