Older adults can re-appraise loneliness using a social connectivity app: a mixed method intervention study

Older adults face an elevated risk of social isolation, loneliness, and poor psychological health. This mixed methods study evaluates a trial of an intervention app designed to protect against loneliness by raising older adults' awareness of their social relationships.

A 4-week online mixed methods randomised 2 (condition: app use vs waitlist) x 3 (timepoint: baseline, 2 week, and 4 week wellbeing) trial, with follow up qualitative interviews. Older adults (N = 99, Mean Age = 68) completed a survey at three timepoints (baseline, two, and four weeks) reporting loneliness, depression, and anxiety. Forty-five post-trial interviews were conducted with the app users and analysed using reflexive thematic analysis.

A significant interaction effect was found; participants using the app reported a significant reduction in depression scores between baseline and four-week follow-up. There was no significant effect on loneliness or anxiety scores. Interviews revealed ways app users were (1) Holding up a mirror to feelings about their social groups, (2) Re-appraising loneliness; and (3) Acting as analysts.

The digital intervention reduced reported depression by enhancing positive appraisal of social groups. Further work is required to understand how to overcome risks of reflection-based apps for loneliness.