In-person contact has been found to be crucial in reducing loneliness in older individuals, according to a recent study conducted by researchers at The University of Texas at Austin and the University of Michigan. The study, published in The Journals of Gerontology: Series B Psychological Science, sheds light on the importance of face-to-face interactions for the mental and physical well-being of older adults.
The lead author of the study, Shiyang Zhang, a postdoctoral fellow in human development and family sciences at UT, explains, “We wanted to explore how older adults cope with loneliness and how different types of social contact impact their feelings of loneliness. What we discovered is that while older adults may turn to phone calls when experiencing loneliness, it is in-person visits that truly alleviate those feelings of loneliness.”
Research has long indicated the significance of social interactions in promoting overall health and longevity in older individuals. On the other hand, loneliness has been associated with various negative health outcomes, including heart disease, cognitive decline, and premature death. Despite the challenges older adults may face, such as chronic health conditions and limited mobility, the study emphasizes the importance of in-person contact in combating loneliness.
The study, which was conducted in the Austin, Texas area, followed more than 300 individuals over the age of 65 between 2016 and 2017. Participants were asked about their levels of loneliness and social interactions every three hours, including in-person visits, phone calls, and digital communications like texting or social media use. The researchers also investigated the impact of social contact with close versus weak social ties.
The findings revealed that older adults are more likely to reach out to close friends and family members when feeling lonely. However, it was the in-person interactions, even with acquaintances or weak ties, that had the most significant effect in reducing feelings of loneliness. Contrary to phone or digital contact, in-person meetings provided a sense of emotional closeness and comfort that cannot be replicated through other forms of communication.
Co-authors of the study include Karen Fingerman, Zexi Zhou from UT, and Kira S. Birditt from the University of Michigan. The research was supported by funding from the National Institute on Aging, the Center on Aging and Population Sciences at UT, and the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development.
As we navigate the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, which has forced many to rely on digital means of communication, it is crucial to remember the value of in-person interactions, especially for older adults. While technology has its merits, nothing can replace the warmth and connection that comes from face-to-face meetings. This study serves as a reminder of the power of human connection and the importance of prioritizing in-person contact, particularly for older individuals who may be vulnerable to feelings of loneliness and isolation.
