Previously submitted to: JMIR Formative Research (no longer under consideration since Mar 18, 2026)
Date Submitted: Apr 14, 2025
A Feasibility and Acceptability Study of Virtually Sharing a Meal over Video Chat while Aging-in-Place
Background:
Many older adults prefer to age at home. Unfortunately, living alone, eating alone, and loneliness are associated with malnutrition, a risk factor for frailty and nursing home placement. Using video chat to eat commensally, i.e. VideoDining, may address eating alone and loneliness and improve nutrition.
Objective:
We conducted a mixed-methods feasibility and acceptability study to determine if adults aging-in-place could independently VideoDine.
Methods:
We recruited 11 older adults in collaboration with the Steuben County Office for Aging in rural New York. We instructed participants on VideoDining using an Amazon EchoShow and asked them to VideoDine with family or friends four times in four weeks. Participants completed surveys on nutritional status, loneliness, and VideoDining. We conducted end-of-study qualitative interviews with participants and program administrators. One year later, we reinterviewed the program administrators. Two investigators independently open-coded the transcribed interviews and conducted thematic analysis. Themes were discussed with a third researcher until consensus was reached.
Results:
Participants (n=11) were a mean age of 88 and 91% female. Eight participants (73%) VideoDined at least twice. Sessions occurred primarily in the evening (16/25) for an average of 35 minutes. Most participants enjoyed VideoDining and rated sessions easy and comfortable. Facilitators to VideoDining included easy-to-prepare meals and challenges were identifying a partner and scheduling. For our exploratory outcomes, loneliness declined with VideoDining (DeJong Giervald Scale, -1.2 (SD=1.3), p=0.02; UCLA 20-item scale, -7.3 (SD=6.7), p<0.01). Nutritional status was unchanged (Self-MNA, p=0.6). Office for Aging administrators reported continued acceptability and independent VideoDining one year later.
Conclusions:
VideoDining once a week was feasible and acceptable for older adults aging-in-place in a supported program. This study provides proof-of-concept of VideoDining and supports future research investigating the use of VideoDining to improve nutritional status and reduce loneliness in community-dwelling older adults over 80.
Clinicaltrial:
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