Abstract
This paper examined findings of a pilot study project conducted in Spring 2020-Summer 2020 called The Adopt a Grandparent program at a university in the southern United States. This study explored if this type of program was mutually beneficial to older adults and college students, decreasing feelings of loneliness (ultimately leading to positive health outcomes) and improving college students’ perceptions toward older adults. Can a program be developed that reduces older adults’ feelings of loneliness while also providing college students with meaningful interaction that will improve how they view older adults, especially during a global pandemic? Today’s older adults face a double-edged sword - the risk of loneliness combined with fewer qualified professionals to support them. Studies show that a high percentage of older adults are lonely, which is linked to a variety of negative physical and emotional outcomes. That loneliness could be reduced through geriatric social workers providing resources and interventions. Fewer social work students consider working with older populations. Through this study, students were paired with older adults to reduce loneliness (older adults) and increase attitudes toward older adults (students) over the phone. Data was gathered using both before and after surveys with older adults (pre-survey -UCLA Loneliness scale (20 question version) post-survey UCLA Loneliness scale (20 question version). Qualitative data via over the phone surveys to older adults about their perceptions and experiences with the college students along with students’ data through computer surveys were gathered. Study results showed decreased loneliness in older adults and positive student outcomes.
Presenters
Angela M. GoinsAssistant Professor of Social Work, Department of Criminal Justice and Social Work, University of Downtown-Houston, Texas, United States
Details
Presentation Type
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Theme
Social and Cultural Perspectives on Aging
KEYWORDS
Older Adult, Isolation, Loneliness, Social Work, Education
