Preventing loneliness of the new elderly using a digital platform

Abstract

Loneliness is a common problem with many possible causes and negative consequences. The elderly are one of the more vulnerable groups, and they have fewer options to solve the problem. To prevent loneliness for the next generations of elderly, the new elderly, a digital platform could be used to help prevent loneliness. This research tried to find out how a digital platform could prevent loneliness for this group by using focus groups to find the needs of this group. The focus groups gave insights into the most important themes for preventing loneliness. It became clear that a digital platform could help the new elderly prevent loneliness by offering an accessible app that informs users and facilitates a variety of physically accessible activities with other like-minded individuals to offer connections and structure. Guidelines are given, but more user and prototype tests are needed to evaluate the effectiveness.