Loneliness in old age is a growing social problem – especially in care facilities. Over the past two years, the REIKOLA research project at OTH Regensburg has investigated how digital communication can effectively help in this area. At the final symposium entitled ‘Ageing, loneliness and digital participation’, the research team led by project manager Prof. Dr. Annette Meussling-Sentpali presented its findings: The use of simple digital devices can significantly strengthen feelings of social connectedness – and at the same time relieve the burden on nursing staff.
At the heart of the project was the so-called Komp, an easy-to-use one-button computer that enables video calls, photos and messages – ideal for older people with no previous technical experience. The device was tested in five senior citizens' facilities run by the Bavarian Red Cross (BRK) in Regensburg. ‘Our results show that digital participation can significantly improve quality of life,’ explains Prof. Meussling-Sentpali. ‘People in need of care feel less alone when they can easily get in touch with their relatives – especially over long distances.’
In addition to the emotional impact, the use of the device also brought practical benefits: care staff reported a noticeable reduction in their daily workload, as residents were able to make video calls independently.
Findings with social relevance
The project team also identified obstacles, such as a lack of Wi-Fi or the cost of devices and internet connections. These experiences led to the creation of a practical brochure with recommendations for care facilities wishing to introduce digital communication services. This will be published in December by the project's funding body, the Bavarian State Ministry of Health, Care and Prevention.
In addition to the presentation of the study results, the symposium at OTH Regensburg featured two keynote speeches, a panel discussion with reports from the field, and a marketplace of opportunities that provided an opportunity for exchange with numerous exhibitors.
The keynote speaker, Prof. Dr. Clemens Tesch-Römer from the German Centre for Ageing Issues, spoke on the topic of loneliness and presented interventions to combat feelings of loneliness. He summed up: ‘Breaking down loneliness in old age requires more than just bringing people together. We must also be open to new contacts.’
Dr Laura Wehr from the Competence Centre for Ageing at the Catholic University of Applied Sciences in Munich presented the scientific evaluation of interventions against loneliness in the SAVE project. She identified a need for further research among target groups such as women with a migrant background and residents in long-term care.
Finally, representatives from politics, voluntary work and business exchanged views on dealing with loneliness in old age in a panel discussion. Kornelia Schmid, representing the association Pflegende Angehörige e.V. (Caring Relatives), reported on her experiences and emphasised: ‘This is loneliness that hurts.’
OTH Regensburg as a pioneering health university
With REIKOLA, OTH Regensburg is underlining its role as an innovative health university that brings together research, technology and humanity.
‘Health is one of the key development priorities in OTH Regensburg's university development plan,’ emphasised President Prof. Dr. Ralph Schneider at the closing symposium. ‘We see health as a cross-cutting task that runs through research, teaching and transfer. Projects such as REIKOLA show how science, practice and politics can work together effectively – for sustainable improvements in people's lives.’
The REIKOLA project shows that digital participation is not an end in itself, but a key to dignity, closeness and joie de vivre in old age.
