Social Networks in Limbo. The Experiences of Older Adults During COVID-19 in Ghana

Abstract

While studies exploring COVID-19 and its global influence have begun, social networks and support among older adults in low-and middle-income countries, such as Ghana have been inadequate despite its enormous relevance. Thus, the study presents the voices of older adults in Jamestown, Accra and their social networks during the COVID-19 pandemic in Ghana. Using a phenomenological approach, data were collected from 15 older adults through in-depth interviews on older adults' social network experiences during COVID-19 pandemic situation. Older adults generally struggled to maintain connections with their family members, friends, neighbors, and the community, especially during the lockdown. They ascribed their limited interaction to COVID-19 preventive measures, such as social distancing and the limitation of face-to-face meetings imposed by the government. Loneliness, stress, and depression are also linked to the breakdown of social networks. The findings provide a deeper understanding of the impact of COVID-19 on older adults' quality of life. It emerged that the Ghanaian society could reconsider the professional services of gerontologists, social workers, community outreach workers, and philanthropists in mitigating loneliness, stress, and depression among older adults in current and future pandemics.

The unmet needs of older people in Nsawam, Ghana

“…The older people's desire to participate in social gatherings as found in this current study is essential in old age to eliminate or suppress any feeling of social isolation, loneliness, and other physical and mental health problems (Bruggencate et al, 2019). This finding also corroborates the findings of some studies that revealed that older persons could feel lonely and isolated because of poor social networks (Asante et al, 2021). However, social connectedness among older persons could be improved if the periodic organisation of family gatherings and other community‐based social functions, such as parties, public forums or get‐together ceremonies are encouraged and promoted in society.…”

COVID-19 experiences of social isolation and loneliness among older adults in Africa: a scoping review

“…Ten articles published between 2020 and 2022 were included in this review, and all articles focus on SI/L among older adults in the COVID-19 era. Six articles were published in Dovie ( 35 ), Jemal et al ( 36 ), Morgan et al ( 37 ), Ekoh et al ( 22 ), Asante et al ( 26 ), Ekoh ( 38 ). Also, three articles were published in Manyaapelo et al ( 29 ), Ekoh et al ( 28 ), Giebel et al ( 14 ), and one was published in Ekoh et al ( 39 ).…”

“…Also, three articles were published in Manyaapelo et al ( 29 ), Ekoh et al ( 28 ), Giebel et al ( 14 ), and one was published in Ekoh et al ( 39 ). Four of the included articles were focused on the social isolation experiences of older adults in Nigeria ( 22 , 28 , 38 , 39 ), three were from Ghana ( 26 , 35 , 37 ), one each from South Africa ( 29 ), Ethiopia ( 36 ), and Uganda ( 14 ). The four Nigerian articles ( 22 , 28 , 38 , 39 ) have the same first author, are results of different small studies conducted in the same communities (Ihe and Umudioka) and two anonymized care homes in Enugu and Anambra States, Nigeria.…”

“…The four Nigerian articles ( 22 , 28 , 38 , 39 ) have the same first author, are results of different small studies conducted in the same communities (Ihe and Umudioka) and two anonymized care homes in Enugu and Anambra States, Nigeria. Furthermore, five studies were conducted in Urban and Peri-Urban settings ( 26 , 29 , 35 – 37 ).…”

“…In addition, there is a “gray” digital divide between rural and urban settings, and materially deprived environments, making research contexts unique ( 14 , 22 ). For instance, digital infrastructure such as connectivity, cost of data and devices, and access to energy supply in most parts of Africa contribute to a digital divide ( 26 ). Furthermore, the weakness of resources that the government provides, including pensions, palliative care, health care, and community supports, may have weakened system-level resilience ( 27 ) in Africa.…”