Abstract
Social isolation is a negative outcome of COVID-19. This study examined patterns of physical and mental health and technology use in older adults, and loneliness during the COVID-19 pandemic. We recruited 115 community-dwelling older adults 65 and older (72% female) from the Pennsylvania region via Research Match (N=84) or from a retirement community (N=31). A significant association between loneliness and worsening of health during the pandemic was observed, Fisher’s Exact Test 6.90, p=.03. Those who were lonely demonstrated significantly lower Mental Component Summary Scores (M = 42.75, SD = 11.55) compared to those who were not lonely (M= 55.34, SD= 7.66), t(49) = 5.84, p <.01. Those reporting loneliness were more likely to use a new electronic device to communicate with family during COVID-19 pandemic, X2, (1, N= 107) = 6.24, p =.01. These findings suggest the important role of technology to decrease loneliness in older adults during a pandemic.
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