# Enhancing Quality of Life for Older Adults With and Without MCI through Social Engagement Over Video Technology

> **NIH NIH R44** · POTLUCK, LLC · 2021 · $930,402

## Abstract

ABSTRACT
This Phase II SBIR proposal submitted by Potluck LLC (Philadelphia, PA) requests funds to expand and
rigorously test over 2 years an online social engagement platform (OneClick) for adults aged 65-85, including
those with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). The long-term goal is to benefit health outcomes, such as survival
and the mitigation of dementia, which are affected by social engagement or lack thereof. Older adults are at
risk of social isolation, and therefore, negative health and quality-of-life outcomes. The existing OneClick
platform connects people in different locations over shared interests in a live, small-group, video conversation.
In distinct contrast to existing social media and online chat, dating, or meet-up apps, OneClick connects people
online for in-depth, meaningful conversation on topics they are passionate about. No exchange of private
information or physical meeting is required. Our prior research has shown older adults with and without MCI
are interested in and will use computer technology and internet for personal enjoyment; however, they have
unique socialization needs and technology design requirements that are rarely accommodated. In collaboration
with experts in human factors, aging, and cognitive decline at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, we
tested and redesigned the OneClick platform in our Phase I SBIR to establish feasibility, usability, and social
engagement benefits for older adults with and without MCI. In Phase II, the same team in partnership with
Home- and Community-Based Organizations (HCBOs) proposes to establish OneClick’s efficacy, scalability,
and market readiness. In Aim 1A, the OneClick platform, intervention content, and implementation protocols
will be finalized based on Phase I learnings. This will prepare for Aim 1B, a 12-week randomized controlled
trial to rigorously assess efficacy of the OneClick intervention; 120 older adults with and without MCI (60 each)
will be randomized to the OneClick intervention group or the Wait-listed control group. The intervention group
will use OneClick for 12 weeks, while the Wait-listed control group will receive no intervention. Both groups will
complete assessments at week 6 and week 12. Subsequently, participants in the Wait-listed control group will
then start using OneClick for 12 weeks of intervention, with assessments after 6 and 12 weeks. Pre-post
assessments will determine effects on social engagement, quality of life, acceptance, and subjective stress. In
Aim 2A, the team will partner with HCBOs to develop an online dashboard for OneClick Intervention
implementation and program evaluation. This will prepare for Aim 2B, which will assess scalability by
evaluating whether OneClick can be readily implemented by an HCBO to support social engagement among
independently living older adults with and without MCI affiliated with their organization. The deliverable is a
rigorously designed social engagement technology and program tailored...

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10153616
- **Project number:** 5R44AG059450-03
- **Recipient organization:** POTLUCK, LLC
- **Principal Investigator:** Dillon Myers
- **Activity code:** R44 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2021
- **Award amount:** $930,402
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2018-05-01 → 2023-04-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10153616

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10153616, Enhancing Quality of Life for Older Adults With and Without MCI through Social Engagement Over Video Technology (5R44AG059450-03). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-24 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10153616. Licensed CC0.

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