Lessons in Resilience: Initial Coping Among Older Adults During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

Background and Objectives In addition to increased physical health risks, older adults may also experience risks to their mental health and social wellbeing due to COVID-19. Yet, older adults may be uniquely able to cope given their life experiences and coping mechanisms. This study explores older adults’ coping experiences and strategies during the initial weeks of the COVID-19 pandemic. Research Design and Methods A Midwestern sample of 76 older adults aged 70-97 completed a phone interview about their experiences with social distancing due to COVID-19. Interviews were conducted during early weeks of regional social distancing (March 28–April 20, 2020). Participants rated their level of perceived coping and responded to open-ended questions about their daily life and coping. Results Mean perceived coping level (on a scale from 1-10) was 7.9, with 87% of participants rating their coping positively. Primary themes that emerged included: 1) staying busy, 2) seeking social support, and 3) having a positive mindset. These emotion-focused coping strategies appeared adaptive in the early weeks of the pandemic for most older adults. Discussion and Implications Contrary to predominant messaging about the vulnerability of older adults, these findings highlight the resilient nature of older adults in terms of their psychological coping and adaptability during COVID-19. Future research should build upon these findings to better understand and promote late-life coping during crises. Practitioners should seek to support older adults’ engagement in such proactive coping, and social policies should be developed to acknowledge the variable needs of older adults.

The impact of Covid-19-related distancing on the well-being of nursing home residents and their family members: a qualitative study

“…The respondents were positive about the new means of communication, which is in line with findings reported by Heid ( Heid et al, 2021 ) and Whitehead & Torossian ( Whitehead and Torossian, 2021 ). According to Fuller & Huseth-Zosel ( Fuller and Huseth-Zosel, 2021 ), contrary to popular belief, older people are also willing to use and learn about digital means of communication. However, many FMs who worried about their loved ones’ care were frustrated with the nursing homes’ passivity in terms of communication, and they complained about receiving insufficient information.…”

A review on the COVID-19-related psychological impact on older adults: vulnerable or not?

“…Older people are more likely to have experienced both individual traumatic events and collective traumas, such as war, dictatorship [38], financial crises and natural disasters [59]. As such, they may be able to consider the current pandemic in a broader context, relativising its impact and show higher resilience against the COVID-19-related adverse mental health outcomes using adaptive resources [42,53,60,61]. Furthermore, most studies were conducted during the acute phase of the pandemic.…”

The Lived Experience of COVID-19

“…Early on in the disease process, isolation is more tolerable, as evidenced by Fuller and Huseth-Zosel. 17 The researchers conducted phone interviews of 76 older adults (ages 70-97) during the pandemic's early weeks. The researchers found resilience as a component of older adults' ability to cope with the social distancing and isolation required during the early weeks of the pandemic.…”