ABSTRACT

Social isolation affects over two-in-ten community-dwelling older adults, posing significant public health risks comparable to smoking. Additionally, more than four-in-ten U.S. adults over 60 report loneliness, closely linked to social isolation. This study explores the benefits of self-rated technology use competency and other correlates of loneliness among older people in a rural area of a northeast state in the U.S. during the COVID-19 Pandemic. Data was collected from community-dwelling adults over the age of 65 using mail surveys between September 1 2022 and January 15 2021. One hundred ninety-two (192) people responded. The final analysis included information from one hundred eighty (180) participants. Results confirmed previously identified loneliness correlates among older people. Results also show that mental-health-related quality of life can be improved by a positive attitude or perception towards technology use. Participants with high self-rated technology use competency are interested in more opportunities to learn new technologies. Policy changes addressing lifelong learning on novel technology for older adults in a rural community can support this, while decreasing levels of loneliness.