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The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated social isolation and worsened mental health challenges, particularly among marginalized groups such as Asian Canadians. This population has faced increased health disparities and more frequent incidents of harassment and discrimination. Older Chinese Canadians, in particular, have been especially vulnerable to the adverse effects of isolation, leading to heightened loneliness and deteriorating mental health. To address these issues, a culturally tailored hybrid intervention called the “Shall We Talk?” program was designed to improve relational and resilient care, rebuild communication and interpersonal skills, and reduce social isolation. This study aims to evaluate the program's effectiveness in enhancing communication skills, reducing loneliness, and fostering social engagement among older Chinese adults residing in Ontario.
Methods
This pre-post quasi-experimental study involved 28 participants recruited from community-based geriatric psychiatric services and organizations serving Chinese older adults in Ontario. The intervention included an online social skills course and five weekly group-based conversation circles. Data were collected at four time points: baseline, post-online communication skills module, post-group-based conversation circles, and post-reunion session. Primary outcomes were measured using validated scales that assessed happiness, loneliness, social engagement, life satisfaction, social competence, and mental health symptoms (specifically, depression and anxiety). Statistical analyses were performed to evaluate changes in these outcomes over time, assessing both immediate and sustained effects.
Results
The pilot program demonstrated significant improvements in several key areas. Participants reported increased happiness (M=6.20, SD=2.76 to M=7.75, SD=1.02, ηp²=.420, p=.023) and a reduction in loneliness (M=1.20, SD=1.01 to M=0.80, SD=0.52, ηp²=.363, p=.024). Additionally, improvements were observed in life satisfaction (M=1.45, SD=0.69 to M=1.60, SD=0.75, ηp²=.194, p=.006), conflict avoidance (M=2.50, SD=0.83 to M=3.20, SD=0.95, ηp²=.152, p=.041), and mastery of social skills knowledge (M=2.20, SD=0.52 to M=2.75, SD=0.97, ηp²=.261, p=.018). These improvements were sustained, particularly after the communication circles and reunion sessions. However, no statistically significant changes were observed in depression or anxiety symptoms. Qualitative feedback supports the program's efficacy, with participants reporting enhanced communication skills, greater confidence, and stronger social connections. Many participants reported that the program encouraged them to try new activities, reduce their feelings of loneliness, and increase their overall life satisfaction. Participants also valued the opportunity for lifelong learning, regardless of age. These qualitative insights complement the quantitative findings, providing additional evidence of the program’s positive impacts.
Conclusions and Implications
The “Shall We Talk?” program effectively enhanced communication skills, increased happiness, reduced loneliness, and improved life satisfaction among older adults in Ontario. These findings highlight the potential of culturally relevant interventions to mitigate isolation and foster well-being within immigrant populations. Although no statistically significant changes were found in depression and anxiety, the observed improvements in social and emotional well-being suggest that the program may help alleviate some psychological burdens associated with isolation. Further research is necessary to refine the program and evaluate its long-term effects on mental health outcomes. Additionally, future studies should investigate the scalability of such interventions for broader immigrant populations to promote their overall well-being.