Understanding the Complexities of Community-Dwelling Older Adults’ Lived Experiences During COVID-19

Abstract

Since December 2019, COVID-19 has spurred rapid and extensive research, but this research has focused on some perspectives with others understudied. In particular, studies have not yet explored the complexities of community-dwelling older adults’ lived experiences during the pandemic. This study aimed to address this gap. Community-dwelling older adults living in Central Texas (N = 200; age, 65–92 years, M = 73.6± 6.33) responded to open- and closed-ended questions over the telephone during June–August 2020. Data were analyzed using inductive thematic analysis. We identified three key themes. (1) Positive experiences, with 4 subthemes: perception that the pandemic has not changed one’s lifestyle; adjusting well—particularly with the aid of technology; being positive in perspective; and a “loner advantage” (being a “loner” pre-pandemic was advantageous during the pandemic). (2) Mixed experiences, with 4 subthemes: doing okay but unhappy about changing lifestyle routines; doing okay but unhappy about loss of in-person interactions with family and friends; doing okay but frustrated by witnessing absence of social distancing or facemask use by others; and maintaining physical health with fluctuating symptoms of depression or anxiety. (3) Negative experiences, with 3 subthemes: bitter about others/society/government not caring for older adults; feeling isolated, bored, and powerless; and worsening as time goes by. A thematic map was subsequently developed. These findings reveal the complexities of community-dwelling older adults’ lived experiences, illustrating effective coping and resilience during the pandemic and dissatisfaction owing to the pandemic’s effects on their lives and to their observations of others’ behaviors.

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

“…Other studies reported how participants used a new technology: "I have recently learned to use WhatsApp, where I can make video phone calls." (Wang et al, 2021, p. 163; see also Xie et al, 2021).…”

“…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).…”

“…Some studies found that participants maintained emotional well-being during the pandemic and it did not change their lifestyle (Goins et al, 2021;Kremers et al, 2022;McKinlay et al, 2021, Pfabigan et al, 2022Yang et al, 2021, Xie et al, 2021: "Actually, I used this crisis period to clean my house. Bookcases are completely cleaned and I discarded old books.…”

“…Many studies (n=13) mentioned older adults' processes of coping during the pandemic (Banerjee & Rao, 2021;Brooke & Clark, 2020, Fiocco et al, 2021Fristedt et al, 2022;Goins et al, 2021;Greenwood-Hickman et al, 2021;Kremers et al, 2022;Mahapatra et al, 2021;Sangrar et al, 2021;Verhage et al, 2021;Wang et al, 2021;Xie et al, 2021;Yang et al, 2021) A variety of coping processes were reported including: acceptance; behavioural adaptation; emotional regulation; creating new routines; or using new technology. Kremers et al (2022) reported: "We are very realistic about the situation and we all have to go through it.…”