Digital technology creates opportunities for connection

Social isolation was pervasive when people had to stay at home early in the pandemic, causing "several mental health impacts," said Erin Kent, Ph.D., associate professor and Associate Chair of the Department of Health Policy and Management for the University of North Carolina. Those impacts included anxiety, depression, sleep disturbance, and low levels of exercise.

"Women and health care workers seemed to be affected at higher rates," said Kent. "Additional risk factors found were having a negative self-perception of aging, time devoted to COVID-19 information, and having a family member infected with COVID-19 or a previous history of health problems."

Kent also noted that researchers have found that social isolation and loneliness increase the risk of cardiovascular disease. Fortunately, technology can help.

"If digital technology can be used in conjunction with physical activity promotion, all the better," said Kent.

While it may not be possible to visit face-to-face because of health concerns or distance, technology can help people connect.

"I think that digital technology can play an important role in ensuring daily contact between people, especially seniors who live alone," said Maureen Copelof, the mayor of Brevard in Transylvania County. "Too often they will go for days without speaking with another human being."

While Copelof works to create spaces where people of all ages can gather, because personal contact is important, digital connections can augment that contact.

"The more interactions [of any kind] that someone has on a regular basis, the more they are connected to the community and the more they are focused on activities that will help them maintain their health," said Copelof.

For example, older adults can keep in touch with loved ones through texting, digital photo frames that allow sharing, video calls and, of course, social media.

"It also allows people to start getting to know one another so that when they are able to meet in person there is already a connection," said Copelof. "It can be that lifeline that seniors need to know that they are not alone."

During her visits with community members, Copelof found that many older adults are intimidated by technology and meeting new people.

"Some seniors become fearful of any type of social environment," said Copelof. "For seniors who have recently lost a spouse, these fears are often magnified. One of my key goals as mayor is to create public spaces and activities that are inclusive, easily accessible, stress free, and fun for everyone of different ages and skills."

Copelof’s efforts led her to support Brevard this year in establishing a community garden, where people of all ages can take part in common interests. This effort was catapulted by a generous grant from AARP.

Copelof added that the garden also helps people feel the interconnectedness of nature.

"Our goal for next year is to expand the garden and create more activities that will encourage intergenerational involvement," said Copelof.

December can usher in a time of great joy, or, for those people who have lost their spouse, siblings and parents, it can be a time of great sadness. For anyone with a loved one who is isolated, the holidays are a good time to reconsider how connections can be formed, and maintained, throughout the year.

Many people remember to call on holidays, but maybe a plan to call every Wednesday and Sunday throughout the year could be a great gift. Maybe a gift of stationery is actually a promise to write and send a letter or postcard a month. There are many creative options to help aid neighbors and family members who might feel the effects of loneliness. Most importantly, Kent noted, it is important to ‘think ahead’ when it comes to loved ones who may be facing social isolation during the holiday season.

"For someone who might be isolated on a holiday, try to make a plan ahead of time," said Kent. "Is there a gathering at a community-based organization or local restaurant — some will actually host gatherings for this purpose — that you can attend? Or plan to make a video chat with family and friends who are far away? For others, reach out to people who might be socially isolated at the holidays. Consider inviting them into your gathering."