Technology, the Internet and lonliness

There is a lot of potential for technology to help us battle isolation and loneliness among older adults.  Some of the examples include:

Robotics. Robots exist that can read the same books as you, and can actually discuss the book with you.  An interesting new option that is still primitive at this point, but is getting better fast.

Smart-Phone and Computer Apps.  Currently, there are apps that can alert you, for example, that someone is nearby that is interested in meeting to get coffee.  Or, other affinity-related apps for alerting you that I’m available and nearby for a walk, etc.

Alexa/Artificial Intelligence (AI).  Taking the above affinity apps one step further, Alexa or similar AI capabilities allow a person to ask it to find others that want (e.g.) coffee, or other affinities.  ‘Alexa’, by requiring just talking or speaking, can make these activities or benefits even easier to do.

We want and need better and simpler setups for using this technology.  Simplicity, good instruction, and ease of use are critical, otherwise, these barriers can deter many of us from using these technologies. 

Isolation and loneliness

There are a number of ways to help combat isolation and loneliness in either our own lives or the lives of others, as we grow older.  Here is a list (in no particular order):

Pets.  Having your own pet, or helping someone else with their pet, can be very helpful.  For example, walking a neighbour’s dog every day.  Pet responsibilities can help give people purpose and meaning.

Senior clubs.  Our explorers are aware of a number of great clubs, which often provide and arrange transportation as well.  Typically, the clubs offer a wide variety of arts, education, and physical exercise opportunities.

Affinity clubs or organizations.  Become a member of a formal or informal group that is united by a common theme or activity.  Find what you like to do, take the initiative to find like-minded people, and stick to it.  This will be a big help in mitigating social isolation and loneliness.

Cross-generational interactions.  Try to have interactions with different generations.  For example, living at an all-age residential hotel (vs. more age-segregated).  Some older adults like the atmosphere and the energy they experience, and they often learn new things in their multigenerational experiences.   

Good neighbours.  People nearby that you can trust and that can check in on you periodically.  These simple interactions can be very valuable and oftentimes turn into genuine friendships.

Housing options.  Various community living and care arrangements which can help provide or facilitate companionship.  For example, multigenerational living facilities, co-housing with matched renters, and accessory-unit rentals can increase social contacts and interactions.

‘Buddy’ system, or a check-in system.  Having some sort of daily-checking routine can be very helpful and reassuring and combat isolation and loneliness.  For example, sending a text to a family member every day before lunch; or, make sure your living room curtains are open every morning (to let neighbours know that you are up and about).

Regular visitors, or social service program visitors.  Simple visitation can be a big help in fighting isolation and loneliness.  Whether it be a friend, family member, neighbour, or an assigned social service volunteer; their visits and conversations are often much anticipated and appreciated by older adults.

The internet.  Easy access to the internet can make a big difference.  It does not replace the need for social interactions, but it can be a good substitute sometimes, as well as a great source for interests and online activities.  People may need to be taught how to use the internet, and it can be expensive to some. 

Television.  Even television can help reduce the feeling of social isolation and loneliness.  It gives you a connection with the outside world.  Its advantage is that it is familiar and can be easy to operate.

Robots; AI (artificial intelligence); Alexa.  These options seem to be primitive at this point, but they also seem to be getting better very quickly.  They can provide a partial solution to social isolation, but cannot truly replace human face-to-face social interaction.  Some explorers see a lot of potential here.

Community education courses for older adults.  Community classes for older adults can be very good for social interaction.  Not only that, but they are typically a lot of fun and very educational.  One example: the OLLI Lifelong Learning courses.

Any tips or comments that you would like to add?

A Definition of “Social Isolation and Loneliness

Over the month of December, I have posted about the joy of the season, but I do know that isolation and loneliness is a very real fear for many older adults.  So as we move into 2019 tomorrow, just be aware that many of you know of someone suffering from it, and it can be very sad. So I am starting off this year with a closer look at this issue. This and the next few posts have been inspired by the information I received from the Tech-enhanced Life Newsletter, I receive. So as you have a happy and prosperous new year think about those who are isolated and lonely and take steps to help them.

Social isolation and loneliness are complex topics.  Loneliness is often experienced as more of an anxious or sad feeling.  However, you don’t necessarily have to be alone in order to experience it.  Sometimes you can feel lonely even when surrounded by other people.

And, being ‘alone’ could be good or bad; it doesn’t necessarily mean you are lonely.  We all want to be alone at least once in a while; for example, when you feel tired and would like to take a nap.  Another example is that some people may prefer living alone versus living with others and are perfectly content with that choice.
  
One factor sometimes affecting isolation and loneliness in older adults is simply a person’s motivations and initiative.  Some people are fun, good people, but are not very good at ‘breaking the ice’.


A number of individuals don’t seem to have that initiative or ability to initiate an interaction.  They are often fine and fun to be with when someone else takes the initiative to start an interaction.  But if someone else does not initiate the connection or interaction, the interaction never takes place.  Once they get over that initial first step, they are often fine.

Each individual needs to take the initiative, but some don’t know how or are really incapable of doing that.  Oftentimes, this lack of motivation or initiative is a personality-related issue that can be hard to change.  It is part of why they are isolated.  

It can be a hard job to get some people motivated to participate.  Some are scared; possibly afraid of rejection.  Some don't want to ‘compete’ socially; they feel inadequate or uncomfortable.  

Opportunities are out there; find your interests.  Take the initiative to get an association or connection, and be persistent; stick to it for a while.  Be open to opportunities; break out of your comfort zone.  Be more proactive in calling people/friends.


One caveat: Sociability, or the lack of, can be situational.  There are times, for example, when you just don't want to join other people for dinner.  A couple may want to eat alone or just dine with each other.  There are times, too, when you may be tired and just don’t want to interact with people.  ‘Situational sociability’ is quite different from social isolation and loneliness.

What do you learn after a disagreement?

If you are very young, in mind and in spirit, you might learn the most immediately following a disagreement or a disappointment. You will learn the most only if you keep an open mind and are open to growth.

If you are young but are approaching maturity you will usually learn the most immediately following a disagreement or a disappointment. You will learn the most only if you keep an open mind and are open to growth. 

If you are older and have kept an open mind and a youthful attitude you will definitely learn the most immediately following a disagreement... although when you disagree with yourself you do it very politely. 

As we move through life and as we end 2018 and move into 2019 challenging ourselves is important. I think we learn more when confronted by those who disagree with us and from trying and failing then we do by surrounding ourselves with those who agree with us and only trying things at which we know we will be successful.