Virtual Senior Center for Social Isolation

(VSC Trial)

Overseen By Jennifer Wolff, PhD

Age: 65+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: Washington University School of Medicine

Disqualifiers: Under age 65

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 6

650 Participants Needed

Trial Summary

What is the purpose of this trial?

In a 3-group trial with randomization and follow-up for 12 months, we will compare use of the VSC as well as health and quality of life outcomes among 650 older adults in St. Louis who receive either: (1) home delivered meals AND a GrandPad; (2) home-delivered meals but no GrandPad for 6 months; and (3) in person meals at senior center but no GrandPad.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications.

What data supports the effectiveness of the treatment Virtual Senior Center for Social Isolation?

Research shows that using technology, like tablets and the internet, can help reduce loneliness and social isolation among older adults by connecting them to virtual communities and improving their mental well-being. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Is the Virtual Senior Center safe for participants?

The available research does not specifically address the safety of the Virtual Senior Center, but participants in similar virtual senior programs reported satisfaction and engagement without mentioning any safety concerns. ^{6 7 8 9 10}

How does the Virtual Senior Center treatment differ from other treatments for social isolation?

The Virtual Senior Center treatment is unique because it uses technology, specifically the GrandPad tablet, to connect older adults virtually, helping them maintain social connections and reduce isolation. This approach is particularly novel as it provides a way for seniors to engage in community activities and receive social support without needing to leave their homes, which is especially beneficial during situations like the COVID-19 pandemic when in-person interactions are limited. ^{6 10 11 12 13}

Research Team

Matthew Kreuter, PhD, MPH

Principal Investigator

Washington University School of Medicine

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for older adults in St. Louis who are currently receiving home-delivered meals from Aging Ahead. Participants must be over the age of 65 and experiencing social isolation. The study aims to improve their quality of life and daily activities.

Inclusion Criteria

Current Home-delivered meal client with Aging Ahead

Exclusion Criteria

I am under 65 years old.

Timeline

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Baseline Assessment

Participants complete baseline surveys to assess initial conditions and group assignment

1 week

1 visit (in-person or virtual)

Intervention

Participants receive home-delivered meals and either immediate or delayed access to a GrandPad, or in-person meals at a senior center

6 months

Monthly check-ins (virtual)

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for VSC engagement and health and quality of life outcomes

12 months

5 visits (virtual) at 3, 6, 9, and 12 months

Treatment Details

Interventions

• Virtual Senior Center - GrandPad
• Virtual Senior Center - No GrandPad

Trial Overview The trial tests a 'Virtual Senior Center' (VSC) using GrandPad tablets versus no tablet use, alongside meal delivery services or in-person meals at a senior center. It's a three-group study with participants randomly assigned to one of the groups for 12 months.

Participant Groups

Group I: GrandPad2 - 6mo Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Delayed interventional. This group will receive a GrandPad after 6 months.

Group II: GrandPad1 Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

This group will receive a GrandPad right away after they complete the baseline survey

Group III: Congregate Active Control 1 Intervention

This group will not receive a GrandPad but will get access to the Virtual Senior Center

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Washington University School of Medicine

Lead Sponsor

Trials

2,027

Recruited

2,353,000+

National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI)

Collaborator

Trials

3,987

Recruited

47,860,000+

References

1. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Escape loneliness by going digital: a quantitative and qualitative evaluation of a Dutch experiment in using ECT to overcome loneliness among older adults. [2022]

2. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

PREDOMOS study, impact of a social intervention program for socially isolated elderly cancer patients: update to the study protocol for a randomized controlled trial. [2020]

3. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

PREDOMOS study, impact of a social intervention program for socially isolated elderly cancer patients: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial. [2019]

4. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Targeting Socially Isolated Older Adults: A Process Evaluation of the Senior Centre Without Walls Social and Educational Program. [2015]

5. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Findings From Talking Tech: A Technology Training Pilot Intervention to Reduce Loneliness and Social Isolation Among Homebound Older Adults. [2022]

6. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Senior Centers and LGBTQ Participants: Engaging older adults virtually in a pandemic. [2021]

7. Sweden pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Socio-demographic, psychosocial and health characteristics of Norwegian senior centre users: a cross-sectional study. [2022]

8. Canada pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Using Travel Diaries to Examine the Extent to Which Older Adult Centres Are a Focal Point for Recreation and Social Activities. [2023]

9. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Association between caring for grandchildren and feelings of loneliness, social isolation and social network size: a cross-sectional study of community dwelling adults in Germany. [2020]

10. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

New York City Senior Centers: Who Participates and Why? [2021]

11. Canada pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Adequacy of Web-Based Activities as a Substitute for In-Person Activities for Older Persons During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Survey Study. [2021]

12. Switzerland pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

"We Don't Feel so Alone": A Qualitative Study of Virtual Memory Cafés to Support Social Connectedness Among Individuals Living With Dementia and Care Partners During COVID-19. [2022]

13. Switzerland pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Social Isolation and Loneliness of Older Adults in Times of the COVID-19 Pandemic: Can Use of Online Social Media Sites and Video Chats Assist in Mitigating Social Isolation and Loneliness? [2021]