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Poster Reception #2

Disabilities and Underrepresented Populations

Session: Poster Reception #2

191 - A program evaluation of ‘Health Buddies’, an intergenerational telephone communication intervention for loneliness and health management

Stream: International Evaluation, Diversity, and Specific Populations

Thursday, October 24, 2024
6:00 PM - 7:30 PM PST
Abstract Information: Loneliness negatively impacts health and social outcomes for older adults across the U.S. Intergenerational social programs are a potential avenue for decreasing perceived social isolation; however, minimal research has been conducted exploring this area. This study investigates the program evaluation results of an intergenerational telephone communication program (“Health Buddies”) in a metropolitan city in Florida. We will discuss program implementation and present quantitative data representing changes in psychological well-being, health management behaviors, and health outcomes for older adults who participated in the program. The sample included 97 adults living in Florida who underwent the 12-week Health Buddies program. Most participants were older adults living with chronic conditions or disabilities. Analysis of pre/post surveys indicated that participants reported significant decreases in perceived social isolation, psychological distress, and emergency healthcare service use and significant increases in self-reported health, physical exercise, and adherence to doctors’ recommendations following completion of the Health Buddies Program. Overall, the findings provide promising evidence of the impact that remote intergenerational social contact can have on aging individuals’ emotional well-being and overall health management.