Social Connections for Seniors During COVID-19: An Online Psychoeducation and Peer Support Program

Introduction Social isolation and loneliness are common but serious concerns in older adults. Self-isolation imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic has disproportionately impacted older adults and the resultant loneliness may have significant negative health outcomes for this vulnerable population. To address this growing concern, the Yale Department of Psychiatry implemented the Social Connections for Seniors During COVID-19 (SCSC) Program to provide older adults with a weekly online forum for education, peer support, and social engagement. We aim to describe the implementation of the program as well as outcomes on social connectedness and knowledge. Methods The SCSC Program consisted of a six-part webinar series; each session included a brief didactic focused on COVID-related topics relevant to older adults followed by a group discussion facilitated by a geriatric psychiatrist or the medical student geriatrics interest group (GIG) leader. The objectives of this program were multiple: 1) to provide psychoeducation on topics relevant to older adults experiencing social isolation; 2) to create a space for peer support; and 3) to reduce feelings of social isolation and loneliness among participants. A total of 11 adults ≥65 years participated in program. At completion of the series, a survey was distributed quantitatively measuring perceived changes in social connection, subject knowledge, and subsequent impacts on thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Qualitative methods were utilized to provide additional insight into quantitative results and to further explore the impact of social connectedness or acquired knowledge. Results Eight program participants completed the survey. The majority of participants affirmed that they experienced increased social connections with peers (75%) and enhanced knowledge of the didactic topics (75%). A number of themes were identified that described participants’ perceived impacts of the SCSC program, including 1) Enhancement of self-awareness, 2) Promotion of a heightened feeling of social support and connectedness, 3) Attainment of knowledge on topics that were viewed as valuable, and 4) Development of a sense of purpose, generativity, and empowerment. Conclusions To our knowledge, this is a unique program—utilizing both peer support and psychoeducation—to address exacerbated psychosocial needs of older adults in the pandemic. We found that participants endorsed improved feelings of social connectedness and knowledge in the covered topics that led to subsequent benefits. They expressed improvement in self-awareness, including enhanced mindfulness of their own attitudes and behaviors, consideration of other perspectives, and improved perspective of their circumstances in the context of others. They perceived feeling heard and supported and felt reassurance in relating to shared experiences with their peers. Moreover, participants expressed a newfound sense of purpose, specifically reporting a motivation to serve older adults more isolated and more in need than themselves. We believe that such a program has potential for replication in the ongoing pandemic and beyond. Funding Not applicable.