Aging and Engaging: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial of an Online Conversational Skills Coach for Older Adults.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

Communication difficulties negatively impact relationship quality and are associated with social isolation and loneliness in later life. There is a need for accessible communication interventions offered outside specialty mental health settings.

Design

Pilot randomized controlled trial.

Setting

Assessments in the laboratory and intervention completed in-home.

Participants

Twenty adults age 60 and older from the community and a geriatric psychiatry clinic.

Intervention

A web-based communication coach that provides automated feedback on eye contact, facial expressivity, speaking volume, and negative content (Aging and Engaging Program, AEP), delivered with minimal assistance in the home (eight brief sessions over 4-6 weeks) or control (education

SUBMITTER: Ali R 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8140061 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature