key: cord-0761308-luyhxq3m
authors: Chatterjee, Prasun; Yatnatti, Santosh K.
title: Intergenerational Digital Engagement: A Way to Prevent Social Isolation During the COVID‐19 Crisis
date: 2020-06-03
journal: J Am Geriatr Soc
DOI: 10.1111/jgs.16563
sha: 3e53759ce8b91b4e04d5066a00271846290fa114
doc_id: 761308
cord_uid: luyhxq3m

nan

To the Editor: Social isolation through home quarantine is the most effective strategy to prevent the spread of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 and related complications; this is especially true for adults who are older than 80 years, are older than 60 years with multiple morbidities (more than two chronic diseases, like diabetes mellitus, type II, hypertension, or coronary artery disease), or have geriatric syndromes (like falls, frailty, or dementia) that put them at the highest risk of mortality related to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. 1, 2 However, evidence shows social isolation has many implications for older adults, including depression, generalized anxiety disorders, decreased sleep, and functional impairment. 3 In the long run, if the isolation continues chronically (>6 months), it may accelerate cardiovascular and brain aging and dementia. 4 The government of India, following the experiences of other countries, like China, has imposed a total lockdown for 21 days (starting on the night of March 23, 2020) and it may be extended further; this has left many older adults facing social isolation and its related complications. Recently, soldiers in Spain found several older adults dead in their beds while disinfecting residential homes. 5 On the other hand, students are at home due to school lockdowns. They are bored, frustrated, and irritable due to a lack of meaningful indoor activities. The prolonged stay at home is likely to prompt the habit of excessive cell phone usage and its related mental health complications. 6 We would like to suggest to both India and other countries that the COVID-19 crisis can be considered as an opportunity to revive the age-old connection between the youth and older adults with a multitude of positive implications.

There is evidence suggesting that a digital learning platform for children and older adults, including adults with dementia, has a positive impact on both generations by improving social interactions through intergenerational experience sharing. 7 One study showed that older adults who provided internet-based tutoring to fifth-grade students became comfortable using computers, had improvements in mood, and had an enhanced quality of life from the interactions. 8 In a correspondence with R. Armitage in Lancet, 4 the author suggested online technology, telephone calls with family members, and volunteer community outreach programs as a few probable solutions to help prevent social isolation and its related complications in older people. Therefore, we consider interaction with the youth as an excellent way to keep older adults happy and connected through telephone and videoconferencing while also informing them about the need to stay home during the COVID-19 crisis. The youth can teach older adults about using digital platforms (e.g., a smart phone or a computer), which can be a helpful way to keep them engaged.

This process would not only reinforce intergenerational solidarity, but would also promote lifelong learning for older adults, which is an sustainable development goal 4 goal; it would prevent social isolation in the older adults and the youth would be enriched through social connection and knowledge sharing with older friends.

This model of a virtual relationship could be extended to face-to-face teaching for youth once the COVID-19 crisis is over. The authors have already tried this through the Non Governemental Organization Healthy Aging India, which is implementing an intergenerational learning model in multiple states of India. Retired older adults are teaching underprivileged schoolchildren in government schools in their area, and they are showing substantial improvements in mood and cognitive ability. Additionally, the schoolchildren are showing improvements in academic and life skill performance; these findings are supported by many studies globally. 8, 9 Therefore, the authors suggest that, while confined at home, people of both generations should pick up their telephones and connect with each other, regardless of whether they are across the country or across the globe.

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