Online Social Environment Impacts Feelings of Social Connection in Older Adults During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Abstract
Evidence suggests that nearly one-third of older adults’ experience loneliness and/or social isolation; an increase in these rates during the current pandemic is anticipated. The Lifelong Learning Institute (LLI) at Nova Southeastern University (NSU) in South Florida has worked to engage seniors in fun learning activities and social opportunities since 1977. When “stay at home” orders went into effect in March 2020 the LLI moved to online program delivery via Zoom. To understand the implementation of zoom among LLI members, NSU students, researchers and LLI member advisory committee developed a cross-sectional research study using an online survey that was administered to LLI members three months post-zoom implementation in May 2020. Results among the 127 responders demonstrated that most members were not comfortable using zoom (57%) especially the chat, reactions or camera features. More than 80% of responders did report that zoom helped them keep their spirits up. Respondents had specific feedback to improve Zoom programming including YouTube videos on use, retraining, training on features (e.g. chat, camera, reaction), closed captioning, program reminders and links sent out more frequently and within 30 minutes of start time. There were also several comments about internet connectivity, identifying opportunities for router and internet plan education. Finally, respondents noted new opportunities to enhance virtual programming including engaging speakers from across the nation and world. In summary, direct feedback from seniors on how to improve the online social and learning environment is pivotal to improving experience, programming and social connection during COVID-19.
Faculty Sponsors
Dr. Nicole Cook
Project Type
Event
Location
Alvin Sherman Library
Start Date
4-6-2021 12:00 PM
End Date
4-9-2021 12:00 PM
Online Social Environment Impacts Feelings of Social Connection in Older Adults During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Alvin Sherman Library
Evidence suggests that nearly one-third of older adults’ experience loneliness and/or social isolation; an increase in these rates during the current pandemic is anticipated. The Lifelong Learning Institute (LLI) at Nova Southeastern University (NSU) in South Florida has worked to engage seniors in fun learning activities and social opportunities since 1977. When “stay at home” orders went into effect in March 2020 the LLI moved to online program delivery via Zoom. To understand the implementation of zoom among LLI members, NSU students, researchers and LLI member advisory committee developed a cross-sectional research study using an online survey that was administered to LLI members three months post-zoom implementation in May 2020. Results among the 127 responders demonstrated that most members were not comfortable using zoom (57%) especially the chat, reactions or camera features. More than 80% of responders did report that zoom helped them keep their spirits up. Respondents had specific feedback to improve Zoom programming including YouTube videos on use, retraining, training on features (e.g. chat, camera, reaction), closed captioning, program reminders and links sent out more frequently and within 30 minutes of start time. There were also several comments about internet connectivity, identifying opportunities for router and internet plan education. Finally, respondents noted new opportunities to enhance virtual programming including engaging speakers from across the nation and world. In summary, direct feedback from seniors on how to improve the online social and learning environment is pivotal to improving experience, programming and social connection during COVID-19.
