Digital Resources and Social Connectedness Among Ethnic Minority Older Adults: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Background: Being socially connected is essential for health and well-being. Nonetheless, many older adults face social isolation, especially in ethnically diverse societies. Digital technologies offer a pragmatic approach to addressing problems with social connectedness; however, a consolidated understanding of their association with social connectedness among ethnic minority older adults remains unaddressed. Objective: We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to investigate the prevalence and utility of digital resources in promoting social connectedness among ethnic minority older adults. Methods: This systematic review and meta-analysis was guided by the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines. Studies were retrieved from 4 electronic databases. A random-effects meta-analysis was used to estimate the pooled prevalence along with its 95% CI. Results: Twelve studies were included. The research approaches used by the included studies were as follows: quantitative (n=5), qualitative (n=5), and mixed methods (n=2). Overall, the estimated prevalence of internet use, which was defined as engaging in online activities through digital devices, was 81.8%. Commonly used digital devices were computers (66.7%), smartphones (63.2%), and tablets (29.3%). Sociodemographic, economic, and health-related factors influenced the adoption and use of digital resources among ethnic minority older adults. These older adults relied on digital resources to build meaningful social connections through social participation, maintaining cultural and religious ties, promoting transnational social networks, and fostering their potential for social connectedness. However, digital resources were not always useful for social connectedness and adversely affected in-person contact. Conclusions: Digital resources can promote social connectedness among ethnic minority older adults by enabling them to maintain their cultural and social values. Cities and regions aiming to promote the social connectedness and well-being of ethnic minority older adults should consider intersectional factors that affect access to digital resources and the sustainable adoption of digital resources.

New in JMIR Aging: Digital Resources and Social Connectedness Among Ethnic Minority Older Adults: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis #DigitalInclusion #SocialConnectedness #OlderAdults #HealthAndWellbeing #EthnicMinorities

An excellent opportunity for folks from diverse backgrounds to work w/ partner orgs on projects that strengthen #belonging and #socialconnectedness. Receive mentorship, professional development & a global cohort experience! @belongingforum.bsky.social 🪴

Perceived Use of Web-Based Videoconferencing for Social Connectedness Among Older Adults Living in Long-Term Care: Qualitative Study Background: The #covid19 pandemic and the concomitant restrictions on in-person interactions within long-term care homes (LTCHs) severely compromised social connectedness among older adults and their families. In a post-pandemic climate, despite policies changes that support greater in-person family engagement, LTCHs frequently experience outbreaks which can disrupt face-to-face interactions and factors such as geography, life circumstances, and variable health can constrain family members’ ability to make regular in-person visits. Research suggests that web-based presence technology (WPT) may be a practical solution to increase opportunities for older adults within LTCH to maintain social connection in the absence of physical gathering. However, increased understanding of end user experiences is lacking and more information on LTCHs readiness to support and sustain WPT will be needed if this modality is to be successfully and widely implemented. Objective: The goal of this study was to understand how older adults living in LTCHs, their families, and LTCHs staff members perceived the utility and ease of use of web-based presence technology devices for facilitating social connectedness. Methods: Using a qualitative description approach in-depth, semi-structured interviews were conducted with seven older adults, 22 family members, and 10 staff across three LTCHs via Zoom/Teams or phone calls. Data were analyzed using a directed content analysis informed by Technology Acceptance Model. Results: Findings were structured into three main themes: actual system use, perceived usefulness of WPT and perceived ease of use of WPT. Participants described using a range of WPT hardware and software to promote social connection between older adults and family members. Videoconferencing had a crucial role in supporting older adults and their family members’ positive emotional state while also enabling them to maintain life and social roles such as participating in family functions. Despite the perceived utility of these tools, participants were concerned about the decline in offering videoconferencing services using web-based presence technologies across LTCHs post-pandemic. Some participants noted shifting funding priorities towards supporting in-person recreational activities rather than diversifying web-based social connection options. Additionally, factors pertaining to WPT ease of use and integration included limited staff to support older adults with different physical and cognitive needs, variability in digital literacy including knowledge about accessibility features to enhance the ease of use, and families’ lack of awareness about the availability of WPT for social connectedness. Conclusions: Web-based presence technology has potential to be a meaningful way to reduce social isolation and promote a sense of social connectedness among older adults and their families and friends. Future research should explore how web-based technology could be integrated into care planning for this population particularly in situations where older adults may be at heightened risk for social isolation. Resource allocation towards equipment, infrastructure, and family and staff training would be well-placed to increase engagement with web-based presence technology within LTCHs. Clinical Trial: PRR1-10.2196/50137

New in JMIR Aging: Perceived Use of Web-Based Videoconferencing for Social Connectedness Among Older Adults Living in Long-Term Care: Qualitative Study #SocialConnectedness #LongTermCare #ElderlyCare #Videoconferencing #COVID19

Transforming Well-Being & Quality Of Life For India's Elderly - Dr. #JamunaRavi - CEO, #VayahVikas joins me on Progress, Potential, And Possibilities #CommunityBuilding #Longevity #Aging #FamilyCaregiving #DementiaCare #SocialConnectedness #Intergenerationality www.youtube.com/watch?v=QMBv...

FHS alumnus seeks to address social connectedness, equity in cities Dr. Meridith Sones' work at FHS has seen her investigating - and occasionally shaping - how neighbourhood design and equitable distribution of infrastructure both influence health outcomes of city res...

Congrats to FHS alum Meridith Sones who officially received her PhD last week! 🎉🙌

Sones' work w/ #CHATRLab has helped deepen understanding of how #NeighbourhoodDesign and inequitable infrastructure in cities impact health outcomes.

bit.ly/4ntvGM9

#SFU #SFUFHS #SFUResearch #SocialConnectedness

What a fascinating study!

For those of us who are avid readers of fiction, we have another great reason for sneaking in another chapter throughout the day...it's good for our mental, brain and social health.

#readingforfun #fiction #mentalhealth #brainhealth #socialconnectedness

Thrilled to join colleagues from across the world at the EASSW 2025 Conference here in #salzburg #fhsalzburg

#eassw2025 #socialconnectedness #socialworkeducation

How Community and Brain Science Unite to Build Resilient, Thriving Societies

#Neurobiology #CommunityPsychology #Resilience #MentalHealth #SocialConnectedness #TraumaHealing #BrainAndCommunity #SystemicChange #MentalWellness #ResilientCommunities

youtube.com/shorts/Kqse7...

Fab event! And not just #FoodPoverty, but also #HealthyHabits #TacklingObesity #SocialConnectedness #SaferCommunities and long term benefits for #NeighbourhoodHealth thru #BuiltEnvironment collaboration @cllrsalmaarif.bsky.social @jesslennox.bsky.social @leedscommfound.bsky.social

“Small” roles aren’t small at all.

In her new blog, 2024 Fellow Samantha Luntha Chikopa honours the many hands behind healing — from nurses to cleaners to Youth Corner facilitators.

Read it here: buff.ly/vUsgsdh

#HealthEquity #SocialConnectedness #GlobalHealth

“Coaching From Within: The Journey” by 2024 Social Connectedness Fellow Joe Schwartz explores the impact of formerly incarcerated coaches.

Read the report: 🔗 https://buff.ly/4cnCZ2J

Congrats, Joe! Thanks to The Inside-Out Prison Exchange Program for your partnership. #SocialConnectedness

The Social Connectedness Fellowship has empowered learners to explore social isolation & connectedness since 2017.

This year, 16 Fellows tackled topics from disability rights to peacebuilding. Stay tuned as we introduce their impactful work! #SocialConnectedness #Fellowship

‘Silver tsunami’ or golden opportunity? Interwoven challenges of aging populations, social isolation, rising housing costs, and climate change are unleashing a global social innovation movement.

🚀 We're launching a series on the work of HNC/our partners to increase #socialconnectedness in #multiunitbuildings & strengthen conditions for #AgingInPlace. Check out the 1st piece, where we dive into the research & discuss innovative social programs. www.heyneighbourcollective.ca/2025/01/silv...

Digital maturity is associated with greater social connectedness among teens Digitally mature teens report feeling more socially connected, which is associated with engaging with real-life friends online and prioritizing compassionate goals.

Digitally mature teens report feeling more socially connected, which is associated with engaging with real-life friends online and prioritizing compassionate goals. #DigitalMaturity #SocialConnectedness #TeenWellbeing #OnlineFriendship #CompassionateGoals

Prosociality should be a public health priority. "Prosociality contributes to better mental and physical health for individuals, and for the communities in which they live. We propose that prosociality should be a public health priority." #socialconnectedness www.nature.com/articles/s41...