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Virtual Intergenerational Reverse-Mentoring Program Reduces Loneliness among Older Adults: Results from a Pilot Evaluation

Author

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  • Jill J. Juris

    (Beaver College of Health Sciences, Appalachian State University, Boone, NC 28608, USA)

  • Erin D. Bouldin

    (Beaver College of Health Sciences, Appalachian State University, Boone, NC 28608, USA)

  • Katherine Uva

    (Beaver College of Health Sciences, Appalachian State University, Boone, NC 28608, USA)

  • Christopher D. Cardwell

    (Beaver College of Health Sciences, Appalachian State University, Boone, NC 28608, USA)

  • Anastacia Schulhoff

    (College of Arts and Sciences, Appalachian State University, Boone, NC 28608, USA)

  • Nicole Hiegl

    (High Country Area Agency on Aging, Boone, NC 28607, USA)

Abstract

Social isolation and loneliness can create negative health outcomes for older adults. Informed by social capital and intergroup contact theories, our goal was to reduce these social problems using an intergenerational reverse-mentoring program. During fall 2020, we implemented an adapted, fully online version of Cyber-Seniors that encouraged undergraduate students to provide technology mentoring to local older adults in a seven-county area in rural Appalachia. We recruited gerontology students through the university and local older adults through local aging organizations. We collected data through pre-and post-tests that included validated measures (Lubben Social Network Scale-6 and UCLA 3-item loneliness scale) and open-ended questions about the program. Thirty-one students and nine older adults completed the pre-survey; twenty students and eight older adults completed the post-survey. We made comparisons using t-tests and considered p < 0.20 to indicate meaningful differences given the anticipated small sample size in this pilot project. Isolation did not change among older adults but increased among students in the family domain ( p = 0.14) between baseline and follow-up. Loneliness improved between the pre- and post-tests among older adults (mean: 5.6 (SD = 2.2) to 4.1 (SD = 1.3), p = 0.17) but not among students (mean: 5.0 (SD = 1.5) to 5.2 (SD = 1.7), p = 0.73). In open-ended responses, older adults described learning new ways to interact with friends and family as a result of the program. This program was acceptable and suggested effectiveness in an important health-related domain (loneliness). While larger studies are needed to fully test the program’s impact, this pilot evaluation suggests that reverse mentoring programs can be implemented virtually and may improve social outcomes.

Suggested Citation

  • Jill J. Juris & Erin D. Bouldin & Katherine Uva & Christopher D. Cardwell & Anastacia Schulhoff & Nicole Hiegl, 2022. "Virtual Intergenerational Reverse-Mentoring Program Reduces Loneliness among Older Adults: Results from a Pilot Evaluation," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(12), pages 1-11, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:19:y:2022:i:12:p:7121-:d:835743
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Julianne Holt-Lunstad & Timothy B Smith & J Bradley Layton, 2010. "Social Relationships and Mortality Risk: A Meta-analytic Review," PLOS Medicine, Public Library of Science, vol. 7(7), pages 1-1, July.
    2. Skye N. Leedahl & Melanie Sereny Brasher & Dara L. LoBuono & Bethany M. Wood & Erica L. Estus, 2020. "Reducing Ageism: Changes in Students’ Attitudes after Participation in an Intergenerational Reverse Mentoring Program," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(17), pages 1-17, August.
    3. Roger O’Sullivan & Annette Burns & Gerard Leavey & Iracema Leroi & Vanessa Burholt & James Lubben & Julianne Holt-Lunstad & Christina Victor & Brian Lawlor & Mireya Vilar-Compte & Carla M. Perissinott, 2021. "Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Loneliness and Social Isolation: A Multi-Country Study," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(19), pages 1-18, September.
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    1. Skye N. Leedahl & Kristin Souza & Alexandria Capolino & Melanie Brasher & Emma Pascuzzi & Christina Azzinaro & Tyler‐Ann Ellison & Erica Estus & Maureen Maigret, 2023. "Improving Technology Use, Digital Competence, and Access to Community Resources Among Older Participants in the University of Rhode Island Engaging Generations Cyber‐Seniors digiAGE Pilot Study," Journal of Elder Policy, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 2(3), pages 55-92, June.

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