Older Adults' Online and Offline Social Interactions During the COVID-19 Pandemic. (17th December 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Xie, Bo; Shiroma, Kristina; De Main, Atami; Davis, Nathan
• Is Part Of: Innovation in aging. Volume 5(2021)Supplement 1
• Page Start: 299
• Page End: 300
• Publication Date: 2021-12-17
• Subjects: Aging -- Periodicals; Gerontology -- Periodicals; 612.67
• DOI: 10.1093/geroni/igab046.1167
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2399-5300

Abstract

Abstract: During the COVID-19 pandemic, much of our social interaction has transitioned from in-person to online. This study examined older adults' social interaction during COVID-19, online and offline. Participants were recruited from community-dwelling older adults in Central Texas. Data collection took place via the telephone during June-August 2020 (N = 200; age range: 65-92 years; Mean: 73.6; SD: 6.33). Participants used a variety of communication modes, including phone or texting (used by 99% of the participants); email (44%); in person (35%); video chat (31%); social media (24%); and postal mail (4%). Most participants (77%) used more than one communication mode. Participants discussed their preferences for and challenges of technology (i.e., smart phones) and its applications (i.e., video chat, telehealth, and social media). Participants' self-reported experiences ranged from positive (50%), mixed (35%), to negative (15%). These findings will inform policy and community interventions to promote older adults' social interactions during the pandemic.