HELPING ALLEVIATE LONELINESS IN HONG KONG OLDER ADULTS (HEAL-HOA): A DUAL RANDOMIZED CONTROLLED TRIAL
2024

Helping Alleviate Loneliness in Hong Kong Older Adults

Sample size: 1511 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Da Jiang, Kwok Jojo, Choi Namkee, Yeung Dannii Y, Ho Rainbow Tin Hung, Warner Lisa, Chou Kee-Lee

Primary Institution: Education University of Hong Kong

Hypothesis

Can telephone-based psychosocial interventions reduce loneliness in older adults?

Conclusion

The study found that telephone-based interventions significantly reduced loneliness and improved psychological well-being among older adults.

Supporting Evidence

  • The study involved 375 volunteers who were trained to provide interventions.
  • Positive effects were observed in loneliness and depressive symptoms among volunteer lay counsellors.
  • Intervention recipients showed improved psychological well-being and sleep quality.

Takeaway

This study shows that older adults can help other lonely older adults feel better through phone calls and support.

Methodology

A dual randomized controlled trial with older adult volunteers providing telephone-based interventions to lonely older adults.

Participant Demographics

Older adults aged 50-70 as volunteers and lonely older adults with an average age of 76.6.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1093/geroni/igae098.1068

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