Pandemic policy making: the health and wellbeing effects of the cessation of volunteering on older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract

Purpose This policy-orientated commentary aims to provide a perspective on the effects of policy changes designed to reduce the risk of infection as a result of COVID-19. The example of the abrupt cessation of volunteering activities is used to consider the policy and practice implications that need to be acknowledged in new public service research to deal with the on-going implications of the COVID-19 pandemic and for future preparedness. Design/methodology/approach The paper will provide a critical challenge to English pandemic health policy making, in particular, the national instruction “to stop non-essential contact with others” without a strategy on how to remedy the serious side effects of this instruction, in particular on older adults. Findings The abrupt cessation of volunteering activities of and for older people because of the COVID-19 pandemic is highly likely to have negative health and wellbeing effects on older adults with long-term and far-reaching policy implications. Originality/value The paper combines existing knowledge volunteering of and for older adults with early pandemic practice evidence to situate an emerging health and wellbeing crisis for older adults. It emphasises the importance of immediate further detailed research to provide evidence for policy and practice following the lifting of COVID-19 related restrictions and in preparation for future crises.

‘Make the Most of the Situation’. Older Adults’ Experiences during COVID-19: A Longitudinal, Qualitative Study

“…Furthermore, older adults are more likely to live alone, have lost family and friends, not be able to drive and be retired ( Smith et al, 2020 ). Older adults reported increased social isolation and reduced participation in societal roles such as caregiving, resulting in declines in physical and mental well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic ( Grotz et al., 2020 ; Miller, 2020 ). Pandemic restrictions also impacted older adults’ health by reducing their ability to remain active, obtain essential medical items and attend medical appointments ( Visser et al., 2020 ).…”

Mobilising Voluntary Action in the UK

“…Conversely, pandemic restrictions curtailed the involvement of many long-standing volunteers who were forced to shield or whose roles no longer existed. As Ellis Paine (2020) notes, the pandemic saw individuals both step up and stand down from volunteering, with calls to consider the long-term impact on those who paused their involvement during the pandemic (Grotz et al, 2020). This finding was also evidenced in the analysis presented in section 2.3.…”

The experience of living alone as an older woman in the UK during the Covid pandemic: an Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis.

“…The need to social distance due to the Covid pandemic meant that formal volunteering activities or other informal support activities were lost to many people such as Denise and Wendy. The early evidence indicates that this loss of role and social interaction had signi cant impacts on mental wellbeing for the volunteers as well as the recipients of such services (Grotz, 2020). One element of the theme of productivity was that of routine and structure which is provided by having formal or regular activities in place.…”