Technology Adoption Among Seniors During COVID-19 Pandemic Impacts Mental Health and Feelings of Companionship

Abstract

Social isolation and lack of companionship, exacerbated by COVID-19 “stay at home” orders, has been an ongoing concern among seniors in the US. Among other strategies, Lifelong Learning Institutes (LLIs) were created to support continuing education for older adults. These programs bring seniors together to encourage engagement through lectures, art and fitness classes in a common space. LLI in South Florida adapted to COVID-19 “stay at home” orders by moving all programming online in March 2020. In May 2020 LLI members, faculty and students designed a research study to understand the experience of LLI members with social isolation and companionship prior to, and during, “stay at home” orders. Responses included 127 members (mean age 75.5). Respondents reported significantly lower social isolation (p