"Geriatric Proximity" Intervention in COVID-19 Context: Contribution to Reducing Loneliness and Improving Affectivity

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Public Health
• Psychology

Background:

• The COVID-19 pandemic significantly restricted social and family interactions for institutionalized older adults.
• This isolation necessitates interventions to mitigate negative impacts on well-being.
• The study addresses the urgent need for support systems in long-term care settings.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of the "Geriatric Proximity" intervention.
• To assess its impact on functioning, social support satisfaction, affect, and loneliness.
• To understand its role in improving the lives of institutionalized older adults during the pandemic.

Main Methods:

• A pilot study design with an experimental group and a control group.
• The experimental group received the "Geriatric Proximity" intervention.
• Standardized scales measured satisfaction with social support, cognition, affect, and loneliness.

Main Results:

• The experimental group showed significant improvements from the first to the third measurement (p < 0.05).
• Key outcomes included reduced loneliness, negative affect, and improved cognitive function.
• Increased satisfaction with social support and positive affect were also observed.

Conclusions:

• The "Geriatric Proximity" intervention positively impacted institutionalized older adults.
• It effectively decreased loneliness and negative affect.
• The intervention enhanced social support satisfaction and cognitive function during the pandemic.