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Updated: Jul 18, 2025

Walk with Me Hybrid Virtual/In-Person Walking for Older Adults with Neurodegenerative Disease
Published on: June 16, 2023
Older adults' experiences of social isolation and loneliness: Can virtual touring increase social connectedness? A
Michelle Leanne Oppert1, Melissa Ngo1, Gun A Lee2
1University of South Australia, Justice and Society, Behaviour-Brain-Body Research Centre, Australia; CROSSING, French Australian Laboratory for Humans-Autonomous Agents Teaming, Adelaide, Australia.
Abstract:
The present pilot study explored the research aim of understanding how independent-living older adults experience social isolation and loneliness and whether virtual tour digital technology can increase social connectedness (N = 10). Through triangulation of interviews, experiences, and feedback, this study contributes to the knowledge base on the well-being of our ageing populations and how digital technologies, specifically virtual tourism, can aid in this process. The key findings reveal that the participants in our study were moderately lonely but were open to embracing more digital technology, sharing how it is instrumental in facilitating social connection and life administration. Participating in virtual tour experiences was well accepted as participants expressed enjoyment, nostalgia, and interest in future use. However, its contribution to increasing social connections needs to be clarified and requires further investigation. Several future research and education directions are provided.
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