A Pilot Test on Computer Communication Training for Reducing Loneliness in Older Adults

Background and Purpose:

Loneliness is a problem suffered by older adults that negatively impacts health. America is aging. With more people living longer, the health of older adults becomes a societal issue. Older adults use a disproportionate amount of health care resources. In 2002, older adults made up 13% of the population, but used 36% of the U.S. personal health care expenses. Loneliness is associated with severe consequences, including increased risk of poor health, suicide, and death.  

To examine a method for reducing loneliness, a pilot test was conducted of a course for lonely older adults on methods of computer-mediated communication. The course is intended to increase the use of computer-mediated communication by older adults, and the increased use of computer mediated communication is thought to lead to a reduction in loneliness among participants. Two research questions will be examined over the course of this study:

1. Does computer mediated communication training increase the use of computer-mediated communication by older adults?
2. Does the use of (or an increase in the use of) computer-mediated communication reduce social and/or emotional loneliness in older adults? 

Methods: This pilot test had a nonexperimental, pretest/posttest study design.  Participants consisted of 22 older adults who were prescreened for loneliness. Class size was limited due to available computers, so participants self-selected into one of four equivalent class periods. The course consisted of 6 two hour classes: Class 1: Intro to Computer-Mediated Communication, Class 2: Email and Instant Messaging, Class 3: MicroBlogging, Class 4: Social Networking Sites, Class 5: Video chat, Class 6: Online Safety.

• Data analytic activities included comparing the amount of time participants spend utilizing computer communication before the study and after the study. Data analytic activities will also include comparing participant loneliness scores before the study and after the study.

Results: Data analysis indicated that participation in the class reduced loneliness. Participation also increased participant use of the computer communication methods learned in class: email, instant messaging, microblogging, social networking sites, and videochat. Limitations (e.g. unexpected occurrences, slight differences in curriculum between cohorts, etc) lead to weaknesses in study findings. Nevertheless findings indicate that more rigorous research in this area is warranted.

Conclusions and Implications: Findings indicate that a class in computer communication methods may lead to an increase in computer-mediated communication and a reduction in loneliness among older adults.