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Effects of Social Technology on Older Adults in a Residential Living Facility

Student Journal of Occupational Therapy

Volume 2, Issue 2 Summer 2021, Article 1

2021

Katherine Bennett

Huntington University, bennettk1 ‘at’ huntington.edu

Mia L. Gonzalez

Huntington University, gonzalezm ‘at’ huntington.edu

Sydney L. Harper

Huntington University, harpers ‘at’ huntington.edu

Madison N. Logan

Huntington University, loganm ‘at’ huntington.edu

Kaeli M. Jeffers

Huntington University, jeffersk ‘at’ huntington.edu

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Recommended Citation Bennett, K., Gonzalez, M. L., Harper, S. L., Logan, M. N., Jeffers, K. M., Springer, A. C., & Sowers, J. (2021). Effects of Social Technology on Older Adults in a Residential Living Facility. Student Journal of Occupational Therapy, 2(2), 1-14. https://doi.org/10.46409/001.MCFL9362

This Article is brought to you for free and open access by SOAR @ USA. It has been accepted for inclusion in Student Journal of Occupational Therapy by an authorized editor of SOAR @ USA. For more information, please contact [email protected], [email protected].

1. Madison N. Logan
2. Kaeli M. Jeffers
3. Abstract

Cover Page Footnote
Author Note: There are no known conflicts of interest to disclose. Correspondence concerning this manuscript should be addressed to Mia L. Gonzalez, [email protected]

To cite this article:

Bennett, K., Gonzalez, M. L., Harper, S. L., Logan, M. N., Jeffers, K. M., Springer, A. C., & Sowers, J. (202#). Effects of social technology on older adults in a residential living facility. Student Journal of Occupational Therapy, 2(2), 1—14. https://doi.org/10.46409/001.MCFL9362

This article is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution, Non-Commercial license (CC-BY-NC 4.0). You are free to copy and distribute the work under the following terms: You must give appropriate credit and include a link to the original work. This cover page or a standard citation including the DOI link will meet this term. You must also include the link to the CC-BY-NC license. You may not use the material for commercial purposes.

Abstract

Introduction: Loneliness and social isolation impact physical and mental health negatively for older adults. Researchers noted an increased relevance of the need for social technology with the emergence of COVID-19. The objective was to investigate the impact of social technology on older adults’ levels of loneliness and social isolation within a residential living facility.

Methods: Descriptive, multiple baseline; occurred over four months with quarterly intervals of data collection. Seven participants met inclusion criteria and were included in the convenience sample. Participants used Sherish℠ Connect for a minimum of one month. Sherish℠ Connect is a televisionbased social technology platform. Data was collected via survey responses and medical records review to determine the effect of the Sherish℠ Connect on perceived loneliness.

Results: Seven older adults (ages 73-101, 3 males, 4 females) were included. Six participants reported using the Sherish℠ Connect weekly or daily. The majority of participants reported this form of social technology provided comfort.

Discussion: Sherish℠ Connect has potential to combat loneliness and social isolation. Researchers hope this study provides baseline research that inspires additional studies investigating Sherish℠ Connect. Social technology adds value to occupational therapy intervention for social participation. Sherish℠ Connect has the capability to increase social participation among older adults.

Keywords: loneliness, social isolation, social technology, social support, older adult, occupational therapy