Stress and Adjustment during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Qualitative Study on the Lived Experience of Canadian Older Adults

Abstract

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, social distancing measures were put into place to flatten the pandemic curve. It was projected that older adults were at increased risk for poor psychological and health outcomes resulting from increased social isolation and loneliness. However, little research has supported this projection among community-dwelling older adults. While a growing body of research has examined the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on older adults, there is a paucity of qualitative research that captures the lived experience of community-dwelling older adults in Canada. The current study aimed to better understand the lived experience of community-dwelling older adults during the first six months of the pandemic in Ontario, Canada. Semi-structured one-on-one interviews were conducted with independent-living older adults aged 65 years and older. A total of 22 interviews were analyzed using inductive thematic analysis. Following a recursive process, two overarching themes were identified: perceived threat and challenges of the pandemic, and coping with the pandemic. Specifically, participants reflected on the threat of contracting the virus and challenges associated with living arrangements, social isolation, and financial insecurity. Participants shared their coping strategies to maintain health and wellbeing, including behavioral strategies, emotion-focused strategies, and social support. Overall, this research highlights resilience among older adults during the first six months of the pandemic.

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

“…As found in prior studies, participants in this study adjusted their routines during the COVID-19 pandemic to engage in activities that were meaningful to them ( Huntley & Bratt, 2022 ), that supported their mental and physical health, such as exercise ( Ejiri et al, 2021 ; Takashima, Onishi & Hirano, 2020 ; Whitehead & Torossian, 2021 ), shaping their trajectories during the pandemic. Similar to prior studies during the COVID-19 pandemic, participants described their enhanced enjoyment of daily activities ( Fiocco et al, 2021 ; Huntley & Bratt, 2022 ). Older adults also employed strategies to facilitate high-quality interactions, including doing shared activities or using humour, which improves social connectedness and is associated with better health ( Fingerman et al, 2021 ; Rossignac-Milon & Higgins, 2018 ; Zhaoayang et al, 2019 ).…”

“…Older adults in our study felt the longevity of pandemic restrictions contributed to declines in their health and well-being, supporting studies suggesting that reductions in social interactions and exercise were associated with declines in cognitive function and well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic ( De Pue et al, 2021 ; Noguchi et al, 2021 ). One barrier to older adults’ engagement in essential activities for health and wellness is that they felt uncomfortable using community spaces due to fear that the public would not abide by pandemic measures, such as social distancing, as found in prior studies ( Brooke & Clark, 2020 ; Fiocco et al, 2021 ). In our study, participants revealed that when preventative measures were suggestions rather than regulations, such as those pertaining to wearing a mask indoors at some points during the study period, this discomfort was exacerbated and resulted in them avoiding those community spaces.…”

“…Older adults also employed strategies to facilitate high-quality interactions, including doing shared activities or using humour, which improves social connectedness and is associated with better health ( Fingerman et al, 2021 ; Rossignac-Milon & Higgins, 2018 ; Zhaoayang et al, 2019 ). Fiocco et al, (2021) found that older adults drew on their experiences overcoming negative life events in order to enact strategies to cope with the COVID-19 pandemic, such as taking pleasure in daily activities. We had similar findings, with participants strategically using activity to support well-being.…”

“…In response to these challenges, studies reveal that some older adults employed strategies such as remaining active, learning new technologies and staying busy during the COVID-19 pandemic ( Fiocco et al, 2021 ; Huntley & Bratt, 2022 ). A study by Fiocco et al (2021) also indicated that older adults’ experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic were improved by social support, spacious or shared living arrangements and financial stability.…”

“…In response to these challenges, studies reveal that some older adults employed strategies such as remaining active, learning new technologies and staying busy during the COVID-19 pandemic ( Fiocco et al, 2021 ; Huntley & Bratt, 2022 ). A study by Fiocco et al (2021) also indicated that older adults’ experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic were improved by social support, spacious or shared living arrangements and financial stability. This finding highlights the need for further exploration of how older adults adjusted to the COVID-19 pandemic and factors that influenced this adjustment, in order to guide institutions supporting older adults in sustaining activities contributing to their health and well-being.…”