A Qualitative Exploration of Older Adult’s Experience of a Blended Digital Community Intervention for Social Connectedness

Loneliness poses significant public health risks, especially for older adults susceptible to
social isolation. While psychologically informed group interventions show promise, existing
programs often lack theoretical grounding and fail to address psychological barriers to
forming meaningful connections. Digital interventions enhance accessibility but demonstrate
mixed efficacy and are often used to join older adults up with existing networks, failing to
address the fact that many older adults become lonely due to their shrinking social networks
in later life. This study aimed to explore the acceptability and feasibility of "Squiboon" - a
novel blended digital intervention combining AI-facilitated group conversations with in-
person interactions to cultivate social bonds and challenge maladaptive cognitions
perpetuating loneliness among older adults. An exploratory qualitative study was conducted
using thematic analysis. Data was collected through focus groups with older adult Squiboon
trial participants (N=7) and semi-structured interviews with staff (N=3). Participants were
recruited from retirement villages involved in a prior Squiboon trial. Reflexive thematic
analysis adopted an inductive, critical realist approach to explore intervention acceptability,
feasibility, and optimisation from participant perspectives.
Five key themes indicated the blended format was acceptable and feasible to the participants,
and it facilitated social connections and meaningful conversations: 1) Bringing People
Together, 2) Engaging with Digital, 3) Evoking Joy, 4) Navigating Loss And Loneliness, 5)
The Need for Session Lead. Facilitators centred around the supportive group environment,
digital elements that facilitated deep and meaningful conversations, and the general positive
experience had by all. Barriers involved reaching individuals that are chronically lonely may
be difficult, and a differing of opinion on the level of facilitation required to help older adults
use the programme. Recommendations centred on simplifying technology, enabling
personalisation, training, and balanced facilitation between staff and the older adult
community. This blended digital-in-person intervention demonstrated acceptability and
feasibility for reducing loneliness among older adults by fostering social belonging and
meaningful conversations. However, optimising technology accessibility, individualisation,
facilitation models and implementation strategies are crucial for broader adoption and
engagement of the most isolated individuals.