1. Long-Term Effects on Loneliness of a Computer-Tailored Intervention for Older Adults With Chronic Diseases: A Randomized Controlled Trial
- Author
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Esmee Volders, Lilian Lechner, Renate H. M. de Groot, Catherine Bolman, Janet M. Boekhout, RS-Research Line Health psychology (part of UHC program), Department of Health Psychology, Department of Conditions for Lifelong Learning, RS-Research Line Conditions for Lifelong Learning (part of ERA program), RS: NUTRIM - R3 - Respiratory & Age-related Health, and Complexe Genetica
- Subjects
medicine.medical_specialty ,Emotions ,Physical activity ,law.invention ,chronic diseases ,03 medical and health sciences ,0302 clinical medicine ,Quality of life (healthcare) ,AGE ,Randomized controlled trial ,030502 gerontology ,law ,QUALITY-OF-LIFE ,PEOPLE ,Intervention (counseling) ,loneliness ,Medicine ,Humans ,030212 general & internal medicine ,Social isolation ,Social Behavior ,older adults ,METAANALYSIS ,Aged ,Community and Home Care ,Aged, 80 and over ,business.industry ,Computers ,mobility impairments ,DISABILITY ,Loneliness ,Articles ,Tailored Intervention ,Term (time) ,SOCIAL-ISOLATION ,PHYSICAL-ACTIVITY ,EMOTIONAL LONELINESS ,Chronic Disease ,Physical therapy ,RISK-FACTORS ,HEALTH ,Geriatrics and Gerontology ,medicine.symptom ,0305 other medical science ,business ,Gerontology - Abstract
Objectives: This study explores the effects of the Active Plus intervention aiming to decrease loneliness among older adults (>65 years) with chronic diseases. Methods: A randomized controlled trial (RCT) was performed (N = 585; age: M = 74.5 years, SD = 6.4), assessing loneliness at baseline, 6 months and 12 months. Outcome measures in the multilevel linear regression analyses were total, social and emotional loneliness. Results: At 12 months, significant decreases in total ( B = −.37, p = .01) and social loneliness ( B = −.24, p = .02) were found. Age was a significant moderator for total and social loneliness; however, the intervention was effective only for participants aged 80 years and older. Discussion: The Active Plus intervention showed a significant decrease in total and social loneliness and was especially beneficial for the vulnerable age group of 80 years and older. A more comprehensive tool for measuring social activity and mobility impairments, and using a longer time frame to detect loneliness changes, may form interesting future research.
- Published
- 2021
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