This is because body language influences both the expression and receptivity of social cues, consequently reducing perceived social distance. In terms of the quality and perceived value of support, Porges’s social engagement and attachment theory posits the importance of seeing one another’s faces during communication.

On the other hand, functional social support is a subjective judgment of the quality or perceived value of emotional and informational support, provided by those within their social network. Structural social support is normally assessed by the size of one’s social networks and frequency of contacts within that network. Researchers now believe that loneliness is a perceptual concept whereas social isolation is defined as the lack of ‘structural’ and ‘functional’ social support. Loneliness and social isolation have been defined in various ways. There is therefore a need to better understand the factors influencing the use of technology to reduce loneliness and isolation, and how it may be useful for older people. Older people may be capable of using iPads and Skype, but not all care environments provide this technology. Technologies such as iPads are easily mobile and can be used for video-calls using software such as Skype, a free tele-service. Previous studies have revealed that face-to-face contact through video-calls may be more useful for older people than telephone calls or written correspondence in reducing loneliness. Even so, social media and emailing provide less personal connectivity than face-to-face contact with a loved one, and may even add to the feeling of loneliness and isolation.

Technological interventions have been developed that may reduce loneliness for dementia patients through telephone ‘be-friending’ projects, and the use of the internet. Loneliness and social isolation among older people may be detrimental to well-being, quality of life and cognitive decline.

Video calls using skype for phone calls