Leveraging Emotional Wellbeing and Social Engagement of the Oldest Old by Using Advanced Communication Technologies: A Pilot Study Using Uniper-Care's Technology

Abstract

Physiological changes in old age that affect mobility along with losses such as widowhood and shrinking of social circles, may lead to isolation and to lower levels of emotional well-being. Remaining engaged in activity and in society in later life is associated with emotional well-being for many older adults. This paper presents the results of applying an easy-to-use/accessible technology-based intervention aimed to promote social connectivity and to provide entrainment content for older adults. Forty people between the ages 77–100 participated in the study. The system's hardware was installed on participant's television set and enabling them to participate in Senior Center activities from far, allowing them to connect with family and friends through video calls and share photos, as well as watch curated video content. The system that this study used was developed and deployed by Uniper-Care Technologies. Data regarding emotional well were collected at two time points, the first point on the day that the system was installed at each participant's home, the second point was four to five weeks later. Results show that participants were successful in adopting the system and using it as intended. In addition, a significant decrease in measurements of loneliness, and depression as well as an increase in emotional well-being as well as a growth in social engagement.