Experiences and aftermath of the COVID‐19 lockdown among community‐dwelling older people in Serbia: A qualitative study

Abstract

Rationale and Aim: At the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020, the Serbian government instituted a 24-h curfew for people aged ≥65 years for 2 months. The aim of this study was to examine the experiences and perceptions of curfew for older people in Serbia 15 months after the curfew had ended.Methods: In-depth interviews were carried out with 23 older adults from urban areas in Serbia. We identified the first three participants, while others were selected using the snowballing method. The interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed and data were analyzed according to guidelines for qualitative studies.Results: Six topics emerged: (1) perception of the curfew announcement; (2) attitude toward the curfew; (3) organization of daily living; (4) mood; (5) frustrations/limitations and 6) making sense of the curfew 15 months after. Older people in this study overall remember not feeling disturbed by the curfew because they perceived it as prevention, especially because this population group is considered to have the highest rate of mortality from COVID-19. Some people remember being extremely frustrated because of the restrictions and considered them unnecessary. Most people remembered that the lack of social interactions and lack of physical activity were the most difficult to cope with.Conclusions: Although challenging and bothersome, the majority of older people in this study accepted the curfew as an appropriate measure to avoid catching the virus and combat the COVID-19 pandemic.

Older adults’ experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic. A qualitative systematic literature review.

“…Sheer arrogance on their part and no sanctions applied" (p.11). Although one study reported benevolent ageism (Derrer-Merk et al,2022c) most studies found hostile ageism (Banerjee & Rao, 2021;Derrer-Merk et al, 2022c;Falvo et al, 2021;Gazibara et al, 2022;Hafford-Letchfield et al, 2022;Prigent et al, 2022). One study reported racism and its negative impact on existing friendships "I can tell some people are blatantly despising us.…”

“…Seven studies reported on how the mass media impacted participant's well-being (Derrer-Merk et al, 2022c;Falvo et al, 2021;Fiocco et al, 2021;Gazibara et al, 2022;Goins et al, 2021;Mahapatra et al, 2021;Sangrar et al, 2021). Sangrar et al (2021) investigated how older adults responded to COVID-19 messaging: "My reaction was to try to make sure that I listen to everything and [I] made sure I was aware of all the suggestions and the precautions that were being expressed by various agencies…".…”

“…(p. 4). Other studies reported the negative impact on participant's well-being of constant messaging and as a consequence stopped watching the news to maintain emotional well-being (Derrer-Merk et al, 2022c;Falvo et al, 2021;Fiocco et al, 2021;Gazibara et al, 2022;Goins et al, 2021;Mahapatra et al, 2021;Sangrar et al, 2021). Derrer-Merk et al, (2022c) reported one participant said that "At first, watching the news every day is depressing and getting more and more depressing by the day, so I've had to stop watching it for my own peace of mind" (p. 13).…”

“…Seven studies reported ageism, racism, and gender discrimination experienced by older adults during the pandemic (Banerjee & Rao, 2021;Derrer-Merk et al, 2022c;Falvo et al, 2021;Gazibara et al, 2022;Hafford-Letchfield et al, 2022;Prigent et al, 2022;Wang et al, 2021). Prigent et al (2022), conducted in a New Zealand study, found that ageism was reciprocal.…”

“…Most articles highlighted the impact on older adults' well-being (Akkus et al, 2021;Banerjee & Rao, 2021;Bundy et al, 2021;Derrer-Merk et al, 2022b;Falvo et al, 2021;Fristedt et al, 2022;Gazibara et al, 2022;Goins et al, 2021;Greenwood-Hickman et al, 2021;Huntley & Bratt, 2022;Jiménez-Etxebarria et al, 2021;Kremers et al, 2022;Mahapatra et al, 2021;McKinlay et al, 2021;Pfabigan et al, 2022;Sangrar et al, 2021;Xie et al, 2021;Yang et al, 2021).…”