Abstract
BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic led to extreme social isolation and emotional distress. Technology-based contacts were used as substitutes for in-person interactions. Yet, studies suggest inequities in technology access and mixed perceptions regarding technological solutions to facilitate social interactions and deliver services among older adults. In this study, we explored and compared experiences with social isolation and adaptation to technology among low-income White and ethnically minoritized older adults. METHODS: Analysis of semi-structured interviews embedded in a randomized controlled trial of a community-based peer support intervention delivered by telephone to low-income White and ethnically minoritized older adults with depression during the COVID-19 pandemic. Sixty-seven transcripts were analyzed using an inductive thematic approach. RESULTS: All participating older adults perceived the importance of adapting to technology and had a range of positive and negative views. However, ethnically minoritized and White older adults differed regarding their experiences of social disruptions in their social network. Ethnically minoritized older adults more often lacked skills and access to devices, relying on public resources for assistance with technology. Regardless of ethnic minority or income status, older adults generally perceived the quality of video-based social interactions as limited, leading to decreased engagement in social activities, although a subset acknowledged that the convenience facilitated engagement. CONCLUSION: For technological interventions to be feasible among underserved older adults, considerations of access to devices and technology skills will be needed. Further study is needed to understand the advantages and disadvantages of technology use for social engagement among low-income White and ethnically minoritized older adults.