Research Report Round-up: Access to digital mental health supports for older adults amidst COVID-19

Published Sep 6, 2022

Overview

Research suggests that measures to contain the COVID-19 virus, such as physical distancing, have worsened the mental health status of many older adults, especially those with pre-existing health conditions and those living in congregate settings. One strategy to increase access to mental health supports during the COVID-19 pandemic has been to develop and implement digital mental health technologies. However, many factors affect older adults’ ability to use online services, and research warns of potentially widening inequities in access for this population.

A report titled “Access to digital mental health supports for older adults amidst COVID-19” provides an overview of the barriers to and facilitators of access to digital mental health programs for older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic. It also offers recommendations for policy-makers. This issue of Research Report Roundup provides a plain-language summary of the report.

What is this report about?

Older adults, especially those with pre-existing health conditions and those living in congregate settings, experience a higher vulnerability to COVID-19 and its harmful consequences. Measures to contain the COVID-19 virus, such as “stay at home” orders and physical distancing, may risk further isolating this population and harming older adults’ mental health.

One common strategy to promote access to mental health and addiction supports during the COVID-19 pandemic has been to develop and deliver digital mental health technologies. However, many factors affect older adults’ ability to access digital services, and those who could benefit the most from these services are often also the least likely to access them.

In 2020, the Canadian federal government announced an investment in digital mental health tools such as the online platform Wellness Together Canada, but it remains unknown if these digital tools equally benefit individuals over 65 years of age.

A report titled “Access to digital mental health supports for older adults amidst COVID-19” identifies the barriers to and facilitators of receiving digital mental health care for older adult Canadians during COVID-19.

The report outlines the following obstacles to access:

• Lack of awareness and knowledge of digital mental health tools is a key factor that prevents older adults from accessing services. Additionally, digital mental health program staff face difficulties in identifying participants because older adults are often reluctant to self-identify as requiring help.
• Low digital literacy, an inability to use technology and a lack of support from family, caregivers or program staff serve as barriers to accessing digital services, especially if the same services were previously offered in person.
• The promotion of social connections is not being sufficiently integrated into existing online programming despite it being an important factor motivating older adults to use digital services.

The report also looks at the facilitators that strengthen older adults’ access to digital mental health services:

• Partnerships with organizations serving older adults facilitate trust in digital programs and promote understanding of mental health supports.
• Providing an individualized approach and training adapted to a variety of audio, visual and mobility-related impairments helps improve digital literacy for older adults, their families and their caregivers.
• Promoting social connections within digital mental health programs provides meaningful interactions for older adults and can help reduce depression. Initiatives such as proactive telephone check-ins or intergenerational connections can help ensure that participants with memory impairments are not left behind. These initiatives also enhance the training and well-being of volunteers and youth involved in these programs.

Finally, the report outlines three recommendations to improve access to digital mental health programs for this population:

1. Digital mental health programs such as Wellness Together Canada should collaborate with older-adult-serving organizations to promote awareness and trust in online services. Cross-sectoral collaborations with non-profit organizations, faith-based organizations, health care services and long-term care settings can further support access to care for older adults.
2. Digital mental health programs should incorporate personalized training and ongoing technical assistance to support older adults in accessing digital services and overcome barriers such as digital illiteracy, lack of experience and fear of using technology.
3. Digital mental health programs should offer social support via their service offerings. This may involve proactively initiating social connections through telephone check-ins, online social support, or intergenerational experience sharing.

Acknowledgments

The report “Access to digital mental health supports for older adults amidst COVID-19” was developed as part of the Visions for Change Policy Challenge Program run by AGE-WELL National Innovation Hub, Advancing Policy and Practice in Technology and Aging (APPTA).

This knowledge exchange activity is supported by the Evidence Exchange Network (EENet), which is part of the Provincial System Support Program (PSSP) at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (“CAMH”). EENet has been made possible through a financial contribution from the Ministry of Health (“MOH”). The views expressed herein do not necessarily represent the views of either MOH or of CAMH.

See more related to

• digital health
• emental health
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• older adults