Miami University Research Wins International Award for Study on Connecting Generations Online to Erase Ageism and Ease Loneliness
OXFORD, Ohio – A published study led by a researcher with Miami University has been selected by Mather Institute as the Gold Award recipient of the 2024 Innovative Research on Aging Awards. Now in their 9th year, the awards were created by Mather Institute to inspire evidence-based next practices that can improve the lives of older adults.
As an internationally recognized resource for research and information about wellness, aging, and trends in senior living, Mather Institute invited submissions by researchers from universities and organizations around the world for this year’s awards, which cover a variety of categories from Aging in Place to Technological Advancements for Older Adults, and beyond. Miami University was honored for an innovative 2024 study addressing loneliness in older adults and ageism in university students through an arts-based intergenerational program.
“This Innovative Research on Aging Award honors Miami University and Dr. Elizabeth Lokon for investigating not only the loneliness epidemic in the US, but how we can implement well-designed intergenerational programs to address ageism toward older adults,” said Cate O’Brien, PhD, Senior Vice President, Mather Institute. “These awards recognize applied research with practical takeaways for the senior living industry. We aim for these findings to inspire innovations within senior living organizations around the country and the world.
Lokon along with co-authors Rosemarie Oakman, Sanjana Murali, and Vidushri Mehrotra recruited local older adults and matched them with college students to explore visual art, music, fiction writing, and poetry in hands-on creative exercises and small-group discussion through a virtual class based on the Opening Minds through Art (OMA) program. OMA was developed by Lokon as part of her master’s thesis at Miami University in 2007.
Although both groups of participants felt that online engagement in general is not as valuable in-person engagement, virtual OMA had a positive impact on their lives. Students reported that they became more positive in their attitudes toward older adults; they became less fearful of the aging process; and they came to appreciate the diversity of older adults. Both the older adults and students felt they were able to break negative stereotypes and build relationships. Read the full journal article here.
A full complimentary report on all the award recipients, 2024 Innovative Research on Aging Awards, is available for download at Innovative Research on Aging Awards | Mather Institute. Nominations will open in February for the 2025 Innovative Research on Aging Awards, with a submission deadline in mid-March.
Read the abstract:
Lokon, E., Mehrotra, V., Murali, S., & Oakman, R. (2024). Using Art and Technology to Address Loneliness and Bridge the Age Divide. Journal of Intergenerational Relationships, 1–17. https://doi.org/10.1080/15350770.2024.2307983
