An Innovative App-based Intervention to Promote Social Connectedness and Well-being in Older Adults

Condition(s) studied

Investigational drug(s) / intervention(s)

Blended VITA intervention (hybrid app-based and in-person social engagement program): Participants in this arm receive a 4-month blended intervention combining structured in-person sessions with guided use of the VITA mobile application. In-person sessions provide digital literacy training to support app navigation, safe interaction, and identification of relevant community opportunities. Through the app, participants can discover local social events, group activities, and community resources, as well as create and share social initiatives with other treatment group members. The research team provides ongoing in-person and remote support, facilitating connections among nearby participants with shared interests. The program promotes digital competence, community participation, peer networking, and social inclusion. Engagement (e.g., app use and activity participation) is monitored, and outcomes related to social connectedness, well-being, and community engagement are assessed at baseline, post-intervention (4 months), and 2-month follow-up.

Study summary

This study evaluates the impact of a group-based intervention designed to promote social connectedness and enhance psychological well-being among older adults. The intervention lasts four months and is supported by a dedicated mobile application that helps participants discover local social activities, connect with peers who share similar interests, and stay informed about community events, with the aim of supporting (not replacing) in-person interactions. This randomized controlled trial assigns participants either to a treatment group, which receives digital literacy training, access to the app, and structured support from the research team to facilitate social engagement within their local community, or to a waitlist control group, which receives access to the app only after the study period. Assessments are conducted at baseline, post-intervention (4 months), and at a 2-month follow-up. The study evaluates changes in social connectedness, loneliness, psychological well-being, and technology use, using a mixed-methods approach combining self-report questionnaires, app-usage data, and qualitative feedback.

Eligibility

Primary outcome measure(s)

• Change from baseline in social connectedness at post-Intervention and 2-Month follow-Up — Baseline (T0), post-intervention at 4 months (T1), and 2-month follow-up (T2)
  This outcome evaluates changes in participants' social connectedness and interactions resulting from the Virtual, Inclusive, Together, Active (VITA) intervention. Social connectedness is measured using the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS), a 12-item self-report instrument assessing perceived support from family, friends, and significant others. Each item is rated on a 7-point Likert scale (1 = very strongly disagree to 7 = very strongly agree). Total scores range from 12 to 84, with higher scores indicating greater perceived social support (better outcome). Additional indicators include self-reported participation in community activities and frequency of peer interactions. These complementary measures provide contextual information on changes in social participation and interaction patterns over time.
• Change from baseline in social engagement frequency — Baseline (T0), immediately post-intervention (T1, 4 months), and 2-month follow-up (T2)
  This outcome assesses changes in the frequency and extent of participants' social engagement over the course of the intervention. Social engagement is measured using self-reported questionnaires that capture the number and regularity of interactions with family, friends, neighbors, and participation in community or group activities. This measure allows evaluation of whether the VITA app-based intervention, along with facilitated social connections, increases older adults' active involvement in social and community life, supporting improved social integration, peer interaction, and overall well-being.

Trial sites (1)

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