We learned during the pandemic that digital intergenerational programs are vital to reduce loneliness.
In 2014, the Windsor Park retirement community made headlines because of an innovative intergenerational program called “Speaking Exchange.” This program was started by a language school in Liberdade, Brazil, and the agency FCB Brazil to connect teens and older Americans via web chats at Windsor Parkin Chicago.
As we saw, U.S. nursing homes were “ground zero” during the pandemic, as many residents endured 21 months with no visitors or group activities and health system disruptions. The toll of the lockdown on residents was significant, even among those who didn’t get COVID. Loneliness and social isolation were at an all-time high due to social distancing.Backgammon and much more Technology has a real impact on Americans’ daily lives because it can help build new relationships and friendships.
The study identified existing digital intergenerational programs used to reduce loneliness or social isolation among older adults and analyzed them regarding strategy, context, mechanisms and outcomes, or S-C-M-O.Searching for a holistic approach Researchers revealed that different strategies should be adopted for other groups of older adults; for example, lonely older adults, older adults who reside in long-term residential care facilities and community-dwelling older adults.
While technology, when done right, can create healthy human relationships, we need to get rid of the stereotype that older adults are distrustful of technology. It is far from the truth because data from 2021 shows that 92% of people over 65 have cell phones. In addition, 67% of older adults access the internet, even if they use significantly fewer digital applications and spend less time online than younger adults.
Intergenerational virtual programs in long-term care are still a new concept. But the experience can optimize the well-being and quality of life of residents feeling socially isolated and lonely from the outside environment, including those who are bedridden or immobile. Social connections are not only valid for older adults, but also for prison inmates, immigrants, people with disabilities, people in rural communities, and anyone else who might be isolated in our society, said Trish Lopez, a 2021 Next Avenue Influencer in Aging and CEO of Teeniors, a multi-award-winning company that includes teens and young adults who help older adults learn technology through one-on-one, personalized coaching.
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