Lockdown led to positive lifestyle changes in older people
Huma S Qureshi
The COVID-19 lockdown was a catalyst for many older people to embrace technology, reconnect with friends and build new relationships with neighbours, according to University of Stirling research.
The study, led by the Faculty of Health Sciences and Sport, surveyed 1,429 participants — 84% (1,198) of whom were over 60 and found many had adapted to video conferencing technology to increase online contact with existing social networks, while others reconnected with previous networks. Participants reported that the lockdown had led them to engage with neighbours and other members of their communities for the first time.
Published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, the paper reported in its preliminary findings that social distancing had increased feelings of loneliness in older people.
Professor of Behavioural Medicine, Anna Whittaker, who led the study,
Sonnalli Seygall with her pet dog, Shamsher
Geeta Basra and Harbhajan Singh; Malaika Arora said, “Our research found that the COVID-19 lockdown triggered feelings of loneliness in older people - with many experiencing less social contact and support. However, the study also highlighted positive outcomes, for example, lockdown encouraged some older people to embrace technology.”
Those who engaged in such activity were able to prevent high levels of loneliness, therefore, helping older adults to increase their digital literacy. Use of remote social interactions could be a really important tool for addressing loneliness.
“Participants also reported actively looking for new social contact while restrictions were in places - such as contacting friends who they had not spoken to in years and increasing interactions with neighbours and other members of their communities. Significantly, many of our participants reported that social distancing has actually led them to find new sources of satisfaction in life,” Whittaker said. ANI
THE STUDY ALSO HIGHLIGHTED THAT THE LOCKDOWN ENCOURAGED MANY OLDER PEOPLE TO EMBRACE TECHNOLOGY.