Using telehealth groups to combat loneliness in older adults through COVID-19

The letter briefs about the effectiveness of telehealth groups to combat loneliness in older adults through COVID-19. Few group interventions have been developed and validated to help alleviate loneliness in older adults. One psychosocial intervention that has proven effective and sustainable for this population is called Circle of Friends, an evidence-based intervention to socialize older adults through interactive activities. Authors hope is that more telehealth and online group interventions can be developed to help connect lonely and isolated older adults during the COVID-19 situation and beyond. With a heightened risk for the virus returning soon, older adults are skeptical about leaving their homes and engaging with others in public. It is vital that healthcare clinicians and researchers continue to find creative ways to reach out to later life adults whose isolation and lonely states may worsen as this pandemic continues. Otherwise, this population is at risk for not only further separation from loved ones but increased physical and mental health conditions over time. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2020 APA, all rights reserved)