Loneliness Decreased for Older Adults Using Telephone and Video Communications

Abstract

ABSTRACT Aims To study feasibility and impact of telephone and video communication on perceptions of loneliness and social isolation in community-dwelling older adults. Methods Purposive flyer distribution to communities, area agencies on aging, meals on wheels, and snowball sampling. Sixteen people met inclusion criteria. Pre- and post-intervention data were collected: UCLA-3, UCLA20, FRAIL Scale, and Social Frailty Scale. Participants were allocated to either telephone or video communication groups, completing 8 weeks of one time per week 45–60-minute conversations. Results UCLA-20 demonstrated statistical significance (p = .017) for the full cohort with large effect size (Hedges’ g = 1.273). UCLA-3, SFS-8, and FRAIL Scale did not demonstrate statistically significant pre-post differences. No statistically significant differences (p > .05) were identified between the telephone and video communication groups. Conclusion Remote communication may have a positive impact on perceptions of loneliness that appear to be independent of the communication modality utilized. Randomized controlled trials are required to determine if either modality is more effective.