“I loved interacting with this younger generation”: Exploring the impact of a virtual service-learning program on social connectedness among older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic

ABSTRACT

Pervasive feelings of social isolation and loneliness have been longstanding among up to half of older adults, and have received increased attention amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Programs to address loneliness and facilitate meaningful connections are vital for physical and mental wellbeing. The purpose of this study was to explore older adults’ experiences participating as volunteers in the Aging is Very Personal (AIVP) service-learning program in relation to feelings of social connectedness. As part of an interprofessional gerontology course, 112 undergraduate students interviewed 55 older adult volunteers via Zoom on the lived experience of aging. Older adult volunteers were surveyed on their experiences with the COVID-19 pandemic and the virtual AIVP program. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and reflexive thematic analysis of open-ended questions. Participants reported participation in AIVP had a positive effect on their mood (86%) and made them feel more socially connected (71%). Six themes summarized their experiences: reduced feelings of social isolation; brought me joy; created meaningful intergenerational relationships; gave me a sense of purpose; facilitated genuine engagement; and created important learning opportunities for future health professionals. Virtual AIVP was identified as a valuable program to improve mood and feelings of social connectedness.

KEYWORDS:

• social isolation
• social connectedness
• older adults
• interprofessional
• virtual
• gerontology
• gerontology students
• service learning

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Ethics approval

This project was approved by the University of Vermont Institutional Review Board (CHRBSS STUDY0000114).

Correction Statement

This article has been corrected with minor changes. These changes do not impact the academic content of the article.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the Simon Public Research Award from Fellowships, Opportunities, & Undergraduate Research at the University of Vermont.