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An Innovative App-based Intervention to Promote Social Connectedness and Well-being in Older Adults

NCT07443813 · Status: ACTIVE_NOT_RECRUITING · Phase: NA · Type: INTERVENTIONAL · Enrollment: 100

Last updated 2026-03-19

No results posted yet for this study

Summary

This study evaluates the impact of a group-based intervention designed to promote social connectedness and enhance psychological well-being among older adults. The intervention lasts four months and is supported by a dedicated mobile application that helps participants discover local social activities, connect with peers who share similar interests, and stay informed about community events, with the aim of supporting (not replacing) in-person interactions. This randomized controlled trial assigns participants either to a treatment group, which receives digital literacy training, access to the app, and structured support from the research team to facilitate social engagement within their local community, or to a waitlist control group, which receives access to the app only after the study period. Assessments are conducted at baseline, post-intervention (4 months), and at a 2-month follow-up. The study evaluates changes in social connectedness, loneliness, psychological well-being, and technology use, using a mixed-methods approach combining self-report questionnaires, app-usage data, and qualitative feedback.

Conditions

  • Social Isolation in Older Adults
  • Loneliness

Interventions

BEHAVIORAL

Blended VITA intervention (hybrid app-based and in-person social engagement program)

Participants in this arm receive a 4-month blended intervention combining structured in-person sessions with guided use of the VITA mobile application. In-person sessions provide digital literacy training to support app navigation, safe interaction, and identification of relevant community opportunities. Through the app, participants can discover local social events, group activities, and community resources, as well as create and share social initiatives with other treatment group members. The research team provides ongoing in-person and remote support, facilitating connections among nearby participants with shared interests. The program promotes digital competence, community participation, peer networking, and social inclusion. Engagement (e.g., app use and activity participation) is monitored, and outcomes related to social connectedness, well-being, and community engagement are assessed at baseline, post-intervention (4 months), and 2-month follow-up.

Sponsors & Collaborators

  • University of Padova

    lead OTHER

Principal Investigators

  • Sabrina Cipolletta, Professor · University of Padova

Study Design

Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
PREVENTION
Masking
NONE
Model
PARALLEL

Eligibility

Min Age
65 Years
Sex
ALL
Healthy Volunteers
Yes

Timeline & Regulatory

Start
2025-11-22
Primary Completion
2026-04-30
Completion
2026-07-30

Countries

  • Italy

Study Locations

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Read the full study record

This page highlights key information. For complete eligibility criteria, study locations, investigator contacts, and the full protocol, visit the original record on ClinicalTrials.gov.

View NCT07443813 on ClinicalTrials.gov