Can digital technology help with mood and loneliness in older adults?
Digital technology, including information and communication technologies (ICT), is often used as a tool to help older adults stay connected and improve their mental health. While these tools have the potential to reduce social isolation, research shows mixed results regarding how much they specifically reduce feelings of loneliness.
What the research says
A systematic review of 19 randomized controlled trials involving nearly 2,000 older adults found that digital technology interventions led to significant improvements in cognitive function and significant reductions in both anxiety and depression 3. However, the same study found no significant difference in alleviating loneliness among those participants 3.
Other research suggests that while digital tools have the potential to prevent or reduce social isolation in elderly populations, the effectiveness of these interventions can be contested [5, 6]. Some studies indicate that being excluded from digital technology is linked to more depressive symptoms, but it did not significantly change the specific relationship between loneliness and depression 6. During the COVID-19 pandemic, digital communication technology became a critical way for older adults to maintain social connections 7.
What to ask your doctor
- What specific types of digital tools or programs are most effective for improving mood in older adults?
- Can digital technology help specifically with feelings of loneliness, or is it more effective for anxiety and depression?
- Are there local programs that provide training to help overcome the 'digital divide' and improve tech literacy?
- How can we determine if a digital intervention is the right fit for my specific social and emotional needs?
This question is drawn from common patient questions about Geriatrics & Aging and answered using cited medical research. We do not provide individualized advice.