Long-Term Effects on Loneliness of a Computer-Tailored Intervention for Older Adults With Chronic Diseases: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Overview

Journal J Aging Health

Publisher Sage Publications

Specialty Geriatrics

Date 2021 May 8

PMID 33962517

Citations 4

Authors

Janet M Boekhout

Esmee Volders

Catherine A W Bolman

Renate H M De Groot

Lilian Lechner

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

This study explores the effects of the Active Plus intervention aiming to decrease loneliness among older adults (>65 years) with chronic diseases. A randomized controlled trial (RCT) was performed = 585; age: = 74.5 years, = 6.4), assessing loneliness at baseline, 6 months and 12 months. Outcome measures in the multilevel linear regression analyses were total, social and emotional loneliness. At 12 months, significant decreases in total ( = -.37, = .01) and social loneliness ( = -.24, = .02) were found. Age was a significant moderator for total and social loneliness; however, the intervention was effective only for participants aged 80 years and older. The Active Plus intervention showed a significant decrease in total and social loneliness and was especially beneficial for the vulnerable age group of 80 years and older. A more comprehensive tool for measuring social activity and mobility impairments, and using a longer time frame to detect loneliness changes, may form interesting future research.

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