JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

One of the most at-risk groups during the COVID-19 crisis are older adults, especially those who live in congregate living, seniors’ care facilities, are immune-compromised, and/or commonly have other underlying illnesses. Measures used to contain the spread of the virus are far-reaching and older adults were amongst the first groups to have restrictions on face-to-face contact. Whilst reducing viral transmission is critical, there are significant negative psychosocial implications of social distancing, particularly for older adults. In this viewpoint we discuss the catch-22 situation that has developed in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic with respect to older adults, social connectedness, and technology: the negative mental health implications of social isolation and loneliness amongst older adults could potentially be mitigated by the use of digital solutions, but only if the person already has the technological knowledge, desire, and access to use these technologies. A circumstance further complicated by social distancing requirements that make face-to-face training with these technologies difficult, if not impossible. We conclude with suggestions for how to integrate perspectives from older adults into the design of technologies that facilitate social connectedness and greater mental health.