The pandemic has highlighted the importance of increasing social connectedness among older adults, and the latest LeadingAge CAST case study shares a highly effective platform that all organizations can use.

“Connecting Homebound Older Adults Through Technology” shares the benefits of a Virtual Senior Center (VSC) platform that is open to anyone.

Selfhelp Community Services, Inc., a LeadingAge CAST Patron, launched the VSC in 2010. Selfhelp provides comprehensive services to help older adults live life independently and with dignity in their own homes in and near New York City. It is also the largest provider of services to Holocaust survivors in North America.

VSC Programming Connects Older Adults

The VSC offers classes in real time, each day, so that older adults can connect to each other and to the outside world. Classes are interactive, and programming extends to cultural experiences, exercise classes, and discussion groups. To serve a wide audience, programming is available in English, Mandarin, Chinese, Russian, Spanish, and Korean.

Individuals and groups may use the platform. Community-based organizations, healthcare providers, residential living associations, or any other group can develop their own virtual community on the VSC platform, says the case study. Groups may access Selfhelp’s classes or develop private classes.

Advantages Over Zoom

The case study details several features that give the VSC platform an edge over Zoom:

• Extensive 24/7 content.
• An interface that is tech-friendly to older adults.
• Regular meetings that help form community connections.
• Easy class management.
• Security, as classes are for VSC subscribers only.

Outcomes

The VSC also has proven benefits. An independent study documented the following outcomes among VSC participants:

• Loneliness lowered by 80%.
• Connectedness increased by 60%.
• Well-being increased by 51%.
• Improved quality of life for 97% of participants.

Participants also reported reduced social isolation and a wider social network thanks to the real-time classes. See the full case study.