Edinburgh [Scotland], 14 May (ANI): The COVID-19 blockade has been a catalyst for many other older people to adopt technology, reconnect with friends and identify new relationships with neighbours, according to studies from the University of Stirling.
Understanding the coping mechanisms followed over some over the age of 60 in the pandemic will play a key role in upcoming interventions to combat loneliness, isolation and well-being in the future.
The study, led by the Faculty of Health and Sport Sciences, surveyed 1,429 participants (84% (1198) were over 60 years old and found that many had adapted to the generation of videoconferences to create online contact with existing social networks, while others reconnected. with past networks. Participants reported that the blockade had led them to interact with neighbors and other members of their network for the first time, while several reported that social esttachment had given them additional meaning to life, highlighting what was vital to them.
Published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, the article comes six months after, funded by the COVID-19 Rapid Research Programme of the Office of the Chief Scientist of the Scottish Government, reported in its initial findings that social est estating had greater emotions of loneliness. among the elderly.
Behavioral Medicine professor Anna Whittaker, who led the exam, said: “Our studies have shown that coVID-19 blockade has triggered emotions of loneliness in older adults; many of them have less support and social contact. results,, for example, blocking has encouraged some older adults to adopt and interact with the generation, such as Zoom, Whatsapp or FaceTime, to stay in touch with those they enjoy or participate in training categories or devoted groups. “
Those who participated in such activities were able to avoid the highest degrees of loneliness, helping older adults develop their virtual literacy. Using remote social interactions can be a vital tool to combat loneliness.
“Participants also reported that they were actively seeking new social contacts while there were restrictions, such as contacting friends they had not spoken to for years and expanding interactions with neighbors and other members of their community. Significantly, many of our participants reported that social est estating led them to locate new resources of satisfaction in life,” Whittaker said.
“Our study also highlighted that fostering safe social contact through physical activity and interaction with others on the network can be an effective way to reduce loneliness, well-being, develop social activity and social support,” Whittaker added.
The study, which referred to a survey conducted between May and July 2020, tested the effect of social estating during the pandemic on loneliness, well-being and social activity, adding social support among scotland’s elders.
Participants were asked about the methods that followed to develop social interactions in this era and indicated that the way they interacted with their friends and family, their religion, and, to a lesser extent, their employer and co-workers, had changed. participants discussed “Zoom” – the video conferencing tool – in their responses.
More than 150 participants said their devoted meetings had moved online, replacing face-to-face meetings, while 91 said social gatherings with a circle of family and friends had been replaced in favor of online “game nights. “New activities included bingo nights and contests while other activities moved online, such as bridge nights, e-book clubs, choir rehearsals, and dance and training classes.
The role of the network, i. e. neighbors, was discussed through more than three hundred participants and some reported a non-unusual delight in meeting unknown neighbors in the past and expanding interaction with other members of the network in local department stores or parks. The Scottish summer also supported such interactions, several said.
At least a hundred other people reported that social interactions were similar to their physical activities, such as spending time outdoors while walking for exercise, dog walking, or commuting.
Professor Whittaker added: “Our studies highlight the importance of fighting loneliness and sociality in other older people, but especially in conditions where the threat of isolation is high. Although it expresses the pandemic, this study has broader implications to help us perceive the impact. social isolation and social isolation of the elderly.
<< Effects may apply in the future, both inside and outside pandemic situations. In Scotland, recommendations for improvement can simply inspire other older people to get to know their neighbors better, to worry about local twinning systems and network initiatives, adding virtual channels and participation in physical activity, such as networked rides. "
Brian Sloan, CEO of Age Scotland, said: “While it might be difficult to see a facet of the pandemic as positive as such, it is helpful to reflect on what it has taught us, whether about ourselves and the society and equipment needed to combat Scotland’s greatest degrees of loneliness and isolation.
“For example, we saw firsthand how vital the network’s reaction was in terms of supporting the elderly during confinement and it was inspiring to see how other people across the country intervened and mobilized to help those in need around them. Restrictions are removed, we expect this sense of network spirit to continue.
“The continuous effect of COVID-19 has also demonstrated how vital greater virtual inclusion is and how well other people without access to generation can feel off the circuit. It is comforting to see so many older people say that they have been able to adopt and interact with the generation to stay connected and active.
“However, it is equally vital to ensure that those who cannot or do not want to use the Internet have tactics of choice to stay connected to their communities and networks.
“As we take corrective action together, it is important that no one remains and that those most affected are encouraged to play a full role in society again.
“We know that we will live off the persistent effects of confined loneliness for a long time, and these studies will be incredibly valuable when we are more productive in combating loneliness and isolation and improving the well-being of older adults in the future. . (And ME)