Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Evaluating Loneliness In An Older Adult Population, Kelli Rowland

Dissertations

Problem: Loneliness and social isolation are severe burdens on global public health and can impair overall health outcomes. Unfortunately, both loneliness and social isolation are prevalent in the older adult population. The purpose of this quality improvement project was to evaluate loneliness in older adults enrolled in a weekly socialization program and its impact on loneliness.

Methods: A descriptive cohort design was utilized to analyze surveys completed three months apart. A convenience sample was used with older adults already enrolled in a weekly socialization program. The Iowa Model of Evidence-Based Practice was applied to evaluate and promote quality …

Mental Health Effects Of The Covid-19 Pandemic On Older Adults, Elizabeth Kerr

Dissertations

Problem: Significant psychological effects such as anxiety, depression, stress, and loneliness are shown to affect the older adult population, aged 65 years and older. The social isolation and disconnectedness related to the COVID-19 pandemic potentially worsens anxious and depressive feelings, increasing the risk for adverse outcomes in the high-risk older adult population. This project aimed to identify older adults at risk for acute, situational mental health issues associated with the pandemic.

Methods: A descriptive study design was used. Telephone interviews were conducted to explore effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on mental health responses in older adults. A convenience sample …

A Descriptive Study Of Health-Related Risks And Outcome Differences By Loneliness Status In A Sample Of Older Veterans, Rachael Beard

Dissertations

There is a need to understand the influences and outcomes related to loneliness in veterans living with complex illness. Patients require self-care to manage complications and exacerbations associated with complex illness. Deficits in self-care result in negative health outcomes and drive resource utilization upward. The identification of potential factors related to self-care is important. Loneliness may be one factor that influences patients’ ability and desire to care for themselves. Descriptive correlational design was used to evaluate loneliness both as a predictor and outcome in veterans admitted to the hospital for three complex respiratory illnesses (heart failure, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, …