Older People Embracing Technology to Beat Loneliness During Pandemic -- Study

Yahoo! Finance reports that people over the age of 60 are using apps like Zoom, WhatsApp, and FaceTime to socialize and combat loneliness during the pandemic. A study published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health polled 1,429 people, 84 percent of whom were over 60, and learned that many have adapted to videoconferencing technology to boost social interaction. "Our research found that the COVID-19 lockdown triggered feelings of loneliness in older people — with many experiencing less social contact and support," noted University of Stirling Professor Anna Whittaker. "However, the study also highlighted positive outcomes. For example, lockdown encouraged some older people to embrace and engage with technology . . . to stay in touch with loved ones or participate in exercise classes or religious groups." Many of those who engaged in such activity were able to prevent high levels of loneliness, therefore helping older adults to increase their digital literacy.