Virtual Senior Center for Social Isolation

(VSC Trial)

Enrolling by invitation at 1 trial location

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

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial aims to explore how a Virtual Senior Center impacts the health and quality of life of older adults in St. Louis. Participants will be divided into three groups: one group receives home-delivered meals and a GrandPad (a simple tablet for seniors) immediately, another group receives meals and a GrandPad after six months, and the last group receives meals at a senior center without a GrandPad. This study suits those already receiving home-delivered meals from Aging Ahead and interested in staying socially connected. Participants should be 65 or older. As an unphased trial, this study offers a unique opportunity for participants to contribute to research that could enhance social connectivity and quality of life for seniors.

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 prior data suggests that the Virtual Senior Center is safe for older adults?

Research shows that the GrandPad's use in the Virtual Senior Center is generally well-received. The GrandPad, a tablet designed for older adults, helps them connect with others and stay active.

Previous studies have examined how this technology can reduce loneliness and improve quality of life. Although direct information on side effects is limited, the GrandPad resembles other tablets and electronics, which are typically safe for daily use.

These studies have not identified major safety issues. The goal is to boost social interaction, which can positively impact health and well-being. Participants using the GrandPad have not experienced significant negative effects from the device itself, suggesting it is likely safe for use in this trial. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about the Virtual Senior Center for Social Isolation because it leverages technology to tackle loneliness among seniors in a novel way. The GrandPad, used in one arm of the trial, provides seniors with an easy-to-use tablet designed to help them connect socially, which could be more accessible than traditional social activities. Unlike typical interventions that might involve in-person community events or therapy sessions, this virtual approach offers flexibility and convenience, potentially reaching seniors who are homebound or live in remote areas. By offering both immediate and delayed access to the GrandPad, the trial aims to understand the impact of timing on reducing social isolation, which is a fresh angle in tackling this pervasive issue.

What evidence suggests that this trial's treatments could be effective for reducing social isolation in older adults?

Studies have shown that technology like GrandPad can help reduce loneliness and social isolation among seniors. In this trial, some participants will receive a GrandPad immediately, while others will receive it after six months. Research indicates that virtual interactions can lift mood and enhance feelings of connection. A review found that programs involving technology and different age groups can improve older adults' perceptions of their health. Early findings suggest that virtual reality activities might help reduce loneliness and increase social interaction. These positive results highlight the potential of GrandPad to strengthen social connections and improve the quality of life for older adults. ^{1 2 6 7 8}

Who Is on the Research Team?

Matthew Kreuter, PhD, MPH

Principal Investigator

Washington University School of Medicine

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

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 for a Trial Participant

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

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

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.

How Is the Trial Designed?

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+

Citations

1. withpower.com withpower.com/trial/phase-social-isolation-in-older-adults-3-2025-db6b8

Virtual Senior Center for Social Isolation (VSC 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 ...

2. grandpad.net grandpad.net/blog/5-ways-seniors-and-caregivers-can-defeat-loneliness

5 ways seniors and caregivers can defeat loneliness Intergenerational relationships have been found to have many positive outcomes, including reducing isolation and depression, instilling a sense of purpose ...

3. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12506213/

Virtual reality interventions to reduce social isolation in ... Addresses a timely evidence gap on the effectiveness of virtual reality interventions for social isolation and loneliness in a rapidly ageing ...

4. researchgate.net researchgate.net/publication/394980320_Connecting_generations_an_integrative_review_of_intergenerational_technology_programs_and_older_adults'_technology_use

An integrative review of intergenerational technology ... This study aimed to identify factors influencing subjective health status (SHS, an individual's self-rated perception of their overall health) ...

5. ageinplacetech.com ageinplacetech.com/files/aip/White%20Paper%20-%20Social%20Isolataion.pdf

Fighting Social Isolation Among Older Adults Since the initial correlation between loneliness, social isolation and poor health outcomes, new reports have emerged to try and understand why people are ...

6. static1.squarespace.com static1.squarespace.com/static/61310e323c55c77d8e181027/t/630d2148303586325b49b481/1661804881447/SF+Tech+Council+White+Paper+Digital.pdf

SF Tech Council White Paper 2022 The goal of the GrandPad pilot was to decrease isolation and loneliness by: Adult day services centers. The GrandPad device was selected for the Adult Day.

7. delcopa.gov delcopa.gov/cosa/cosa-latest-news

COSA Latest News Social isolation and loneliness can lead to depression as well as other health problems. Some seniors do not have the technology to stay connected with others.

8. fliconline.org fliconline.org/FLIC/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Older-Adults-Combating-Isolation_links.pdf

occupational therapy and older adults: combating social ... More than ever, older adults are facing increased risk towards loneliness and the negative health consequences that accompany it. This is particularly true for ...