COVID-19 Research- Allies in Health: Social support for health behaviours and combating loneliness in older adults

COVID-19 Research Area(s): Mental Health & Wellbeing, Social Impacts

Older adults are in a unique position during the current COVID-19 pandemic; they are likely going to be advised to continue social distancing even if restrictions are lifted for the general population. This study addresses how older adults can tap into psychological resources and recruit help of a close other to engage in health behaviors (e.g. physical activity and healthy nutrition) and stay socially engaged in the current circumstances. The study's design is able to capture health behaviors through repeated daily life assessments while adhering to social distancing guidelines. The ultimate goal of this project is to understand what older adults can do to stay in good health and reduce the impact of the unintended consequences of public health measures. Zoom sessions serve interactive explanations of study procedures and to explain the content of online surveys.