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This article examines the potential impact of AI technology on psychotherapy and counseling. It discusses the use of AI chatbots as companions, including for romantic and sexual purposes, and raises questions about the changing nature of therapy in the digital age. The article explores the concept of "technical thinking" and its effects on human psychology and therapeutic practices. It also discusses the history of therapy using communication technologies and the emergence of AI bots in the field. The article concludes by considering the role of traditional therapy in the digital age and the potential benefits and drawbacks of online therapy. Additionally, it highlights a recent study that found face-to-face communication to be more important for mental health during lockdowns, but also acknowledges the positive impact of digital text-based communication. The author emphasizes the need for further research on the effects of the digital age on psychological therapies and invites submissions to their journal. The article provides summaries of several papers included in the journal, covering topics such as online therapy, the impact of technology on the therapeutic relationship, and the experiences of students in remote learning. The author concludes by emphasizing the importance of considering the effects of the digital age on both psychotherapy provision and individuals involved in therapy. [Extracted from the article]

This paper, relying on a thematic review of the literature, aimed to explore the influence of culture on human relations, particularly on love. We highlighted the innate need of humans to belong and be part of a community and, moreover, partake in an intimate relationship. Most humans yearn for intimacy, and thus it was defined and described. In our Western culture, intimacy is often found in marriage, usually built on love. Love, if not nurtured, may fade, and so we described what happens when it does. Romantic relationships, where love is usually expressed and actualized, were examined, including how it is shown, how time affects love, and what causes love relationships to be marred by loneliness. The main part of the paper is devoted to examining the effect of culture on love, its expression, and on romantic relationships. While love may be universal, its development, expression, and importance in intimate relationships differ depending on the culture and era in which it occurs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper contains thoughts on the journey a man undertakes when he becomes the father to a newborn child, and on the difficulties he faces. Drawing on both psychoanalytic theory and clinical experience the author considers the journey to fatherhood men undertake, exploring the need for them to tolerate change and loneliness as they support and protect the new mother-infant dyad. While infantile anxieties of abandonment may be aroused, the importance of the father's role in the newly established family is emphasised, particularly in relation to the child finding their own identity. Throughout the paper, parallels are drawn between the role of the father and the role of psychoanalyst or psychotherapist. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper considers the changing picture of depression, or melancholy as it was called in the seventeenth century, as in Burton's Anatomy of Melancholy. Freud distinguished between mourning and melancholia in the sense of healthy and pathological reactions to loss; but the concept has also evolved within psychoanalysis, as in Klein's 'On the sense of loneliness'. The process of working through depression with a goal of self-knowledge seems to come gradually closer to a Keatsian worldview of the quest for beauty and truth, in line with Meltzer's 'aesthetic conflict'. Using some of Keats' letters and poems from the winter and spring of 1818–1819, the paper traces his analysis of his own depression, as he works out how to exorcise its persecutory qualities, and learns to 'see great things in loneliness'. His understanding of the two types of melancholy, depressive and persecutory, culminates in his 'Ode on Melancholy'. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is a paucity of literature demonstrating the efficacy of psychoanalytic psychotherapy for patients with Alzheimer's or other dementias. This paper examines the challenges and richness of this kind of treatment for both patients and analyst through the use of a narrative case study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many elements associated with aphasia, its assessment and treatment, and its effects on individuals living with this disorder have been examined. However, the implications for people with aphasia of living alone has not been a focus. Factors such as living alone, ageing, aphasia, gender, depression (and suicide), comorbid physical impairments and mortality converge and intersect with each other to have a profound effect on those individuals with aphasia who live alone. This study aimed to explore the research relating to people with aphasia living alone (PWALA), as well as to identify knowledge gaps and the key characteristics related to this topic. The PRISMA scoping review methodology was selected to search the current literature. Online databases (Google Scholar and five electronic journal databases) were used to identify relevant papers, predominantly published since the year 2000. From 1201 papers initially identified, 115 relating to the topic were imported into NVivo Qualitative Research Software and analysed into themes. From the 74 papers directly relating to the topic, seven themes emerged: emotional status, communication, identity, independence, family relationships, friends/visitors and daily activities. It was unclear how the experiences of PWALA compared to those not living alone from these papers as the information provided mainly reflected the studies' research questions, not specifically the fact that the person concerned was living alone. There is an obvious and urgent need to investigate the lived experience of PWALA. However, two key areas require immediate attention. PWALA require early and ongoing assessment, monitoring and intervention for depression, and also the implementation of strategies and programs to decrease loneliness and social isolation. This scoping review relating to PWALA revealed that insufficient attention has been paid to the specific issues and implications of aphasia for this sub-population. An urgent investigation of a diverse sample of PWALA using in-depth supportive interviewing techniques is needed to explore the personal experiences and perceptions of living alone. Based on this, strategies and programs can be developed or adapted to address and ameliorate the specific exigencies of PWALA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There have been growing concerns that social distancing and stay-at-home mandates have exacerbated loneliness for older people. Empirical evidence about older people's experiences of loneliness and COVID-19 have quantified this phenomena without considering how older people themselves define and understand loneliness. This paper explores how older New Zealanders conceptualized and experienced loneliness under 'lockdown' stay-at-home measures. This multi-methods qualitative study combines data from letters (n = 870) and interviews (n = 44) collected from 914 people aged over 60 and living in Aotearoa, New Zealand during the COVID-19 pandemic. We conducted a reflexive thematic analysis to conceptualise this data. We identify three interconnected ways in which older people conceptualised and experienced loneliness: (1) feeling disconnected relating to lack of emotional closeness to another often resulting from being physically separated from others and not being able to touch; (2) feeling imprisoned relating to separation from preferred identities and activities and was frequently associated with boredom and frustration; and (3) feeling neglected which often related to feeling let down by generalised and idealised forms of support, such as one's neighbourhood and health care system. Older New Zealanders experienced lockdown loneliness in three interconnected ways rather than as a stable and homogenous experience. Māori, Pacific, Asian and New Zealand European older people often discussed loneliness in different ways; attesting to loneliness being a culturally-mediated concept shaped by expectations around desirable social interaction. We conclude the paper with implications for research and policy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The future welfare of older adults is a worldwide concern. By 2034, it is estimated that individuals 65 and older in the U.S. will be 77 million. Consequently, this reality will impact healthcare facilities and increase Medicare and Medicaid costs, resulting in higher incidents of homeless older adults, children caring for parents, the need for more caregivers, and an increased number of older individuals experiencing various forms of dementia. To address these concerns, the current trend for treating the onset of dementia and Alzheimer's disease has been moving toward nonpharmaceutical interventions. Even though researchers have tapped into the benefits of several nonpharmaceutical treatments, there appears to be a constant debate on establishing which method is most effective. Deciding on best practices and methods to slow down and/or halt the progression of dementia is the gap this research needs to fill. To provide clarity on the topic, an analysis of alternative interventions to treat the onset of dementia is what this paper strived to achieve. The analysis involved comparing and contrasting the benefits of each intervention as well as illustrating the implications of the findings. In this regard, a systematic review was conducted examining the benefits of five nonpharmaceutical strategies; mental training, music therapy, technology usage, physical activity, and social interaction. Although findings revealed some form of improvement in each of the nonpharmacological interventions examined, the overarching theme appeared to lean toward providing mental stimulation. It was also not conclusive that physical activity prevented cognitive decline. More research is recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractThe arts have enriched human experiences across time and culture. Beyond their intrinsic value, a growing body of evidence suggests that engaging with the arts has numerous benefits for health and well-being. Increasingly, research on older adults suggests that arts-based interventions and engagement with arts-based leisure activities enhance states of well-being (e.g. life satisfaction, positive emotions, belonging) and reduce states of ill-being (e.g. depression, anxiety, loneliness) In this paper, we focus on the potential for the arts to contribute to women thriving in their 80s and 90s. In particular, we aim to bring awareness to the ways in which the arts can play a vital role in cultivating positive states of social well-being (e.g. social connections, social networks, social support, and belonging) and mitigating negative states of social ill-being (e.g. loneliness, social isolation). We first lay the groundwork for the relationship between the arts and health and discuss social well-being as an important facet of overall well-being. We then review research findings from four artistic domains (music, visual art, art and craft, and performing arts) and their associations with social well-being in older adulthood. Finally, we discuss potential applications of art-based interventions to support the social well-being of women in later life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Social isolation and loneliness are reported as having significant impacts on health, especially for older people. Policy concern has led to the creation of interventions to try and tackle these issues, including the funding of community-based support groups. The National Lottery Ageing Better Fund, 2015–2022 supported voluntary and community sector projects across England, to work with people aged 50 and over to reduce social isolatioand loneliness, through the delivery of area-based activities. One organisation, adopted and implemented a peer research model named Volunteer Listeners, designed and executed by older people as part of their approach to their local evaluation of National Lottery funded projects. This paper documents the peer research model used, its challenges, and its successes, to add to the evidence base about the reality of using participatory approaches, specifically with and for older people researching a health and social care related topic. There are very few published studies discussing how and why older people become involved in evaluation work as peer researchers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper is aiming to present two studies investigating attitudes of older people towards different technologies to break their social isolation and investigating the impacts of Immersive Virtual Reality (IVR) on physical and mental dimensions. The first study, based on focus groups conducted with 23 older people (aged from 65 to 93 years-old) allowed to collect attitudes and opinions of older people about different technologies to help them to break social isolation. The second study, based on an experiment conducted with 42 older people (aged from 63 to 85 years-old) allowed to investigate the impact of a specific Immersive Virtual Reality (IVR) on physical and mental dimensions. The first study confirm that Immersive Virtual Reality (IVR) can be a relevant digital tool for elderly people according to them, i.e. a digital tool perceived as useful, usable and acceptable. The second study demonstrates that use of a specific Immersive Virtual Reality (IVR) system can reduce the perception of social isolation and can have positive impacts on physical dimensions such as the weight and the waist circumference. Theoretical and applied implications are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the rising aging population, there is a pressing need for effective public policies and academic initiatives tailored to older adults, educational aspirations, and needs. This article provides a comprehensive analysis of the intersection between older adults and university education on a global scale, highlighting the critical role of education in enhancing the quality of life for this demographic. Through a Scoping Review, this study examines the existing body of research to understand the dynamics of older adults, engagement with higher education, identifying existing gaps, and paving the way for future inquiry. The findings reveal significant benefits of higher education for older adults, including improved mental health, enhanced cognitive function, and encouragement of active aging, signaling an increasing scholarly interest in this domain. The paper emphasizes the unique challenges older adults face, such as health decline and social isolation, advocating for developing policies and academic programs that promote their active participation in higher education. Such interventions are essential for boosting older adults; self-esteem, facilitating social integration, and ultimately, elevating their overall quality of life. This study underscores the necessity of a novel approach to the integrated analysis of inclusive education, having aimed to inform and inspire the development of public policies and academic extension projects that support lifelong learning among older adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nonprofit organizations operating in civil society have become the main channel for social service provision in most neoliberal welfare economies. Social service nonprofits (SSNs) deliver essential services mainly to vulnerable and marginalized populations. Since the outbreak of COVID-19, SSNs have been at the frontline of dealing with its socioeconomic consequences. This paper focuses on the activities and responses to the crisis of SSNs in Israel. Interviews with SSN directors (N = 17) show that they dealt with growing demands for services due to the social implications of the pandemic, along with operational difficulties, such as deterioration in clients' condition, disruption in service continuity, and reduced funding and staff. Next to these difficulties, the findings highlighted the social innovations adopted by SSNs to maintain service provision, such as implementing remote service technologies, forming collaborations, and recruiting volunteers. Implications for the social services and policies are presented and discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In 1950, sociologist David Riesman published a best-selling book entitled The lonely crowd: A study of the changing American character. Famously, he described the ascendant "other directed" person as being haunted by an inner loneliness. This paper seeks to explain the current phenomenon of the cyber mob, an online crowd of peers gathered together to intimidate and "cancel" others, as a form of group behavior founded in profound aloneness and alienation brought about by neoliberal society. While the existence of online groups or mobs is overdetermined, the desire to belong, to feel a part of something larger than oneself, and to escape a haunting inner loneliness may be the twenty-first-century corollary of what Reisman described 73 years ago. With the rise of authoritarianism throughout the world, climate change, massive inequality, pandemic, and the breakdown of moral authority, people on both the Left and the Right cling to cyber mobs to escape aloneness, discharge fear and rage, and acquire affirmation and acceptance through "likes" and "retweets." While they seem to provide bonding and empowerment, what cyber mobs offer in truth is greater ferocious tribalism and the further undoing of social bonds, fellow feeling, and the remnants of civil society. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Informed by existing gaps in the research of elder abuse and neglect (EAN) outcomes and very limited knowledge from Central-European cultural contexts, this paper analyzes the link between domestic-based EAN and three measures of well-being, namely subjective loneliness, sense of control over one's life, and a broader outlook on life. To do this, we used recently (2022) collected EAN survey fielded among home-dwelling residents of the Czech Republic aged 65 +. The results show that there is a clear relationship between EAN and these selected outcomes. Controlling for several sets of potential modifying or confounding factors further indicates that this relationship is substantial and direct, rather than weak and indirect. Among controls, only variables related to disadvantage (health, income, dependency, history of abuse) partly account for the link between EAN and its outcomes due to their relation to both heightened risk of EAN and lower well-being. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

University professors are exposed to high levels of stress as a result of the multiple activities involved in their profession. The objective of this research is to explain how a sequence of psychosocial variables directly and indirectly influences stress. Method: A non-probabilistic and non-clinical sample of 480 professors from different Ecuadorian universities was surveyed online, and participation was anonymous. Sequential Canonical Analysis was used (SEQCA). This paper examined the following multivariate sequence: (1) resilience; (2) psychological inflexibility; (3) loneliness; (4) life engagement; and (5) stress. The model also considered the indirect influences of work-related variables including occupation, work-hours, and likelihood of losing a job. Results: The overall SEQCA was statistically significant (p < .0001) and accounted for 36% of the variance. Conclusions: Psychosocial variables predict stress more than work-related variables. The results will provide information for designing effective stress prevention programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractMilitary widow/ers can experience spousal death suddenly and in traumatic circumstances. Evidence shows that this experience often has a long-term effect on surviving family members, highlighting the unique experiences of loneliness and social isolation in the armed forces community. This study aimed to explore military widow/ers’ lived experiences of social isolation and loneliness and unmet needs relating to social participation. This paper presents the qualitative findings of a sequential study in which Phase One utilized an online survey (N = 165) and Phase Two employed semi-structured interviews (N = 26). Almost all participants across both Phases discussed feeling lonely, socially isolated, or both. Findings highlight the complexity in transition from military spouse to military widow/er through the loss of a military community and geographical location. This was further compounded by language barriers and perceived hierarchy (through service life or circumstances of death) which created obstacles to help seeking. However, individuals who did join military widow/ers’ associations valued peer support through shared connection and understanding. Peer support was particularly valued as, for many, existing relationships with friends or family members were often negatively impacted following bereavement. These changed relationships led to feelings of both vulnerability and loss. Consideration needs to be given to how access to appropriate support is gained and what provision needs to be in place. This study recommends the use of more inclusive language for the military bereaved to promote inclusive practices and broaden the availability of support, including that which would increase social participation, across the sector. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current study aimed to explore the protective factors and underlying mechanisms associated with loneliness and psychological distress among older Chinese adults within the framework of a longitudinal design. This investigation specifically focused on the mediating role of attitudes toward own aging (ATOA) in the relationship between social support and the experience of loneliness and psychological distress (comprising depression, anxiety, and stress) amidst the backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic. A cohort of 345 elderly individuals (mean age = 83.84 years, standard deviation = 8.49 years; 55.1% females) participated in this research endeavor. The participants were required to complete self-report instruments measuring their perceived levels of social support at Time 1 (T1), attitudes towards own aging, ATOA at Time 2 (T2), and their experiences of loneliness, and psychological distress (including depression, anxiety, and stress) at T1 and Time 3 (T3). The data collection timeline encompassed baseline data collection at T1 in September 2020, a subsequent six-month follow-up at T2 in March 2021, and a one-year follow up at T3 in September 2021. The findings of this investigation unveiled a negative predictive relationship between social support at T1 and psychological distress (encompassing depression, anxiety, and stress) at T3. Furthermore, it was discerned that ATOA at T2 acted as a mediating mechanism, elucidating the longitudinal association between social support at T1 and the manifestation of loneliness and psychological distress (including depression, anxiety, and stress) at T3. The discussion section of this paper delves into an exploration of the limitations and implications inherent in these conclusions, particularly concerning their relevance to potential intervention strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we provide a contextualized assessment of virtue through validation of a goals-based approach to measuring patience, the Goals-Based Virtue-Patience Scale (GBV-P). To assess virtue in a way congruent with its definition requires consideration of situational and contextual factors; however, most extant measures of virtue instead assess virtue at a decontextualized, global level (Ng & Tay, 2020). As such, we developed a contextualized and motivationally attuned goals-based assessment of the virtue of patience, the ability to remain calm in the face of frustration, suffering, or delay in goal pursuit. We engaged multilevel structural equation modeling to validate a new measure of patience in pursuit of goals nested within people. Across three studies (N = 798) assessing the GBV-P, data were consistent with reliability and structural validity tests, and associations of the new measure with other regulatory virtues or constructs (e.g., global patience, self-control, conscientiousness, perseverance, emotion regulation) as well as well-being (e.g., life satisfaction, goal orientation, meaning) and ill-being outcomes (e.g., depression and anxiety symptoms, loneliness, stress) provided evidence of convergent validity. Likewise, patience was differentially engaged depending on the goal domain and type; approach (vs. avoidance), interpersonal (vs. intrapersonal), and generativity goals were pursued with more patience. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Utilizing storytelling, two art educators explore how their undergraduate students experienced the transition to online education after the outbreak of COVID-19. Three themes are examined based on the students' reflections: (1) new characteristics of and experiences within virtual learning, (2) isolation and connection, and (3) embracement and adjustment. The participating students shared their course experiences, with regard to the changes in course design and structure made due to the abrupt transition to online instruction. The participating students felt some loneliness due to isolation and social distancing. They experienced multilayered connections purposefully made through learning communities, small groups, student pairs, and student-instructor communication using discussion boards, emails, group chat, personal webpages, and Canvas messages and feedback. We suggest that exchanging narratives about students' learning and art making experiences helps educators build their own teaching communities and serves as a strategy to overcome challenges and develop resilience in uncertain times full of changes and transitions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

University student mental health and wellbeing is a concern, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Loneliness and social isolation are drivers of student mental health problems, amenable to intervention. Connecting People was developed and piloted in health and social care services to support people to enhance their social connections. This paper reports results of a pre-post, single-group evaluation of training provided to 105 people supporting students in a UK university, and the feasibility of using a Connecting People adaptation to reduce student social isolation. Trainee confidence in supporting socially isolated students increased after training and remained high six months post-training. Positive feedback included students making new friends, and helping trainees to break down tackling loneliness and social isolation into manageable steps. Further evaluation is required to test effectiveness, but the model appears feasible to use at minimal cost, and may offer a suitable model to alleviate student social isolation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To prevent the transmission of COVID-19, unprecedented measures were implemented, such as community lockdowns. With limited social interactions, the problem of loneliness might have worsened. As loneliness is thought to have a detrimental effect on subjective wellbeing (SWB), the present systematic review aims to better investigate and summarize the existing evidence about the association of loneliness and SWB during the COVID-19 pandemic. A total of 18 articles were included. In all studies, independently of the component of wellbeing assessed or of the instrument used, a negative association between loneliness and SWB was found. The results show an increase in loneliness during times of restrictions on social contacts, with a subsequent association with lower SWB, and underscore the need for developing specific interventions to tackle loneliness and for promoting alternative forms of social interaction if further physical distancing measures are needed. However, the literature had several limitations, since most of the studies followed cross-sectional and descriptive methodologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to analyse available literature on the mental health of LGBTQ+ people during the COVID-19 pandemic. For this scoping review, six electronic databases were searched in three broad topic areas (the COVID-19 pandemic, LGBTQ+ people, mental health) in April 2022. The search yielded 4,285 studies, and after screening them, 61 studies were included in the final review, which were thematically analysed. Results were organised according to four themes: comparative effects of the pandemic on LGBTQ+ and heterosexual cisgender people's mental health; mental health impacts; differences in the mental health among LGBTQ+ people; and protective and risk factors. LGBTQ+ people's mental health was disproportionately impacted by the pandemic, particularly when compared to heterosexual and cisgender people. Some sub-populations of LGBTQ+ people were impacted more than others, such as bisexual, transgender, non-binary, and gender-diverse people. Depression, anxiety, and stress/distress were the most salient mental health issues, though loneliness, suicidal ideation, self-harm, and COVID-related fears were also prevalent. LGBTQ+ people used substances, social media, dating apps, and pornography to cope with the pandemic. Gaps in the literature and study limitations are identified, and recommendations for policy, health services, and future research are offered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The concept 'performance expectancy' is used to theorize about older people's day-to-day use of technology mediated communication (telephone, text/emails and video calls) in family relationships and the impact on social isolation and loneliness. Using theoretical and methodological triangulation six mediation models are conceptualized, followed by empirical validation using a nationally representative dataset of older people (≥ 65 years) living in Wales, UK (N = 2,099). The results reveal that frequency of telephone and video calls mediate the relationship between proximity of family and social isolation, and telephone calls mediate the relationship with loneliness. Text/emails have no significant mediating effect. Qualitative data analysis provides a deeper understanding of conditions that facilitate technology mediated communication. Demonstrating the impact of lifecourse habits, social context and environment on technology mediated communication shifts the focus from individual deficits to other reasons for non-adoption. Understanding the link between the individual, the social-cultural and social structural environment, social interaction, and loneliness requires an understanding of what is important to older people. For example, knowledge concerning the role of embodied presence in alleviating loneliness can be used to better understand the likelihood of implementing successful interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to examine if church attendance was associated with quality of life (QoL) and feeling of loneliness among older adults in Poland, and if feeling of loneliness mediated the association. Face-to-face interviews were conducted with randomly selected community-dwelling individuals aged 65+ from the general population, hospital patients, and social service users. Church attendance was positively associated with QoL regardless of confounding factors. Older adults attending church frequently felt less lonely and evaluated their health better. Feeling of loneliness mediated the association between church attendance and QoL. Religiousness should be considered as an important determinant of healthy aging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article explores the author's personal experience of grief and loss after the death of their daughter. It discusses the concept of the "middle distance" as a space where individuals can construct a new narrative of themselves after experiencing loss. The text also delves into the relationship between memory and imagination, highlighting the importance of memories in envisioning the future. It emphasizes the significance of remembering and mourning in the process of healing and moving forward after loss. The text also discusses the therapeutic power of talking and writing about grief and trauma, and the importance of resilience and finding meaning in the face of trauma. [Extracted from the article]

One in six couples faces infertility, and yet there is a lack of information as well as a stigma surrounding the topic. This column highlights resources to support individuals throughout the infertility journey - from orienting resources to statistics to community and mental health to specialized information for marginalized populations to multimedia sources. The descriptions of the resources highlight the unique aspects of each, with accompanying quotes from a qualitative study describing how resources were used in support of infertility information needs. Providing access to vetted information is one way information professionals can help break the stigma and address the lack of privilege individuals with infertility may face. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pervasive feelings of social isolation and loneliness have been longstanding among up to half of older adults, and have received increased attention amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Programs to address loneliness and facilitate meaningful connections are vital for physical and mental wellbeing. The purpose of this study was to explore older adults' experiences participating as volunteers in the Aging is Very Personal (AIVP) service-learning program in relation to feelings of social connectedness. As part of an interprofessional gerontology course, 112 undergraduate students interviewed 55 older adult volunteers via Zoom on the lived experience of aging. Older adult volunteers were surveyed on their experiences with the COVID-19 pandemic and the virtual AIVP program. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and reflexive thematic analysis of open-ended questions. Participants reported participation in AIVP had a positive effect on their mood (86%) and made them feel more socially connected (71%). Six themes summarized their experiences: reduced feelings of social isolation; brought me joy; created meaningful intergenerational relationships; gave me a sense of purpose; facilitated genuine engagement; and created important learning opportunities for future health professionals. Virtual AIVP was identified as a valuable program to improve mood and feelings of social connectedness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]