Impact of the COVID‐19 lockdown on system usage of an innovative care support system and the mood of older adults

Abstract

Background

Older age is a substantial risk factor for serious illness from COVID‐19. Moreover, isolation and quarantine are more likely to cause physical, mental and social deprivation in older age. Information and Communication Tools are means to prevent such consequences.

Objective

This study aimed therefore to investigate the impact of the COVID‐19 lockdown measures on the usage of an innovative technical support system deployed in Austria (AT) and Luxembourg (LU) consisting of several tools that allow independent living in older age.

Methods

Thirty‐nine older adults (11 male; 28 female) with a mean age of 74.3 (SD 7.3) years were included in the study. In total, 18 older people were recruited in AT and 21 in LU. Descriptive statistics were computed, and longitudinal models were fitted for technology use and self‐reported mood.

Results

The number of older adults using the system significantly decreased from the time before lockdown (39 [100%]) to during lockdown (26 [67%]) and thereafter (23 [59%]; p < 0.001). Multiple comparisons revealed a significant reduction in the average number of events for calendar and medication tools, but a substantial increase in communication and messaging events. Self‐reported well‐being declined during the lockdown and increased afterwards back to baseline levels.

Conclusion

Communication was the main reason for using the support system. In addition, strategies and interventions are essential to support older adults when using information technology in the prolonged phases of the pandemic to sustain independent living.

Clinical trial registration

The DAPAS protocol was published at www.researchgate.net. DOI: 10.13140/RG.2.2.24233.34401.

Key points

• Social isolation and quarantine are more likely to cause physical, mental and social deprivation in older age; Information and Communication Tools (ICTs) could help to prevent such consequences.

• This study investigated the impact of the COVID‐19 lockdown measures on using an innovative technical support system and the self‐reported mood of older adults at times of reduced social contact.

• In general, the number of older adults using the novel system significantly decreased during the lockdown, but there was a substantial increase in communication and messaging events.

• Self‐reported well‐being declined during the lockdown and increased afterwards back to baseline levels.