older people were not exposed to digital technology as readily as younger people, and may have been less prepared for the sudden switch brought about by the pandemic, added qian.
the study analyzed results from two longitudinal surveys using data from 5,148 people in the u.k. and 1,391 people in the u.s. they were surveyed before covid-19 hit as well as during the pandemic, in june 2020.
the study found a “notable increase” in loneliness in the u.s. and a decline in mental health in the u.k. after the onslaught of covid-19.
older adults in both countries who had more frequent virtual contact were more likely to feel lonely, especially when face-to-face contact was limited.
in contrast, more frequent in-person contact with family or friends resulted in improved mental well-being and less loneliness.
the study suggests it’s better to use virtual methods of communication to supplement face-to-face contact rather than replace it.
“(the) results clearly show that virtual interactions complement, but cannot replace, face-to-face interactions in helping sustain older adults’ mental well-being,” wrote qian and lead author dr. yang hu of lancaster university.
however, they stress the findings only reveal an association, not a direct cause, and more research is needed. the study noted, for example, that it is possible people who already felt more isolated and lonelier tended to make virtual contact more frequently.