More Vulnerable? The Life Story Approach Highlights Older People’s Potential for Strength During the Pandemic

Abstract

OBJECTIVES Older adults have repeatedly been referred to as more physically vulnerable during the COVID -19 pandemic. The pandemic, however, is not only about becoming physically ill. It has many psychosocial aspects: people are exposed to myriad life challenges. The life story approach does not ignore physical status but also emphasizes psychosocial strengths. It highlights that older people are likely to have developed resilience through experiencing life challenges and living across history. METHODS We used the narrative method to review research on three strengths: tendency toward life reflection, adaptive use of personal memory, and temporal focus encouraging generativity. RESULTS For each, we (i) present evidence that this strength manifests in the second half of life, and (ii) identify how it may specifically be applied in dealing with the challenges of the pandemic. In considering their life stories, the picture that emerges is one of older adults as having the potential to show considerable psychosocial strength despite the adversities of the pandemic. DISCUSSION We conclude that during this period of sweeping change in the lives of individuals of all ages, our older citizens may act as valuable societal anchors.

A longitudinal study monitoring the quality of life in a national cohort of older adults in Chile before and during the COVID-19 outbreak

“…These results have confirmed that older adults have social and psychological resources that allow them to face adversity. Older people have overcome past stressful experiences that could be encouraging them to overcome the confinement problems [53,54].…”

Coping During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Qualitative Study of Older Adults Across the United States

“…Older adults, especially those with comorbid health conditions, are at elevated risk of COVID-19 morbidity and mortality compared to younger population groups ( 1 – 3 ). Beyond physical illness, the pandemic exposes older people to myriad life challenges including disrupted plans, frustration and boredom, separation from family and friends, irregular access to supplies (e.g., food, medication), and financial strain ( 4 , 5 ). Older adults may also be at heightened risk of pandemic-related personal losses such as bereavement of a family member or friend, job loss or reduced income if not retired, and long-term exclusion from participation in social and public activities ( 6 ).…”

“…Given the immense burden of COVID-19 on aging populations, it is essential to understand effective ways of coping with living through the pandemic. This paper contributes to an emerging counternarrative in response to ageist portrayals of older adults in popular discourse as vulnerable, frail, and disposable in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic [see also ( 4 , 9 )]. We shift from this negative perspective to focus on the psychosocial strengths and resiliencies of older adults.…”

What Can We Learn About Psychological Aging By Studying Covid-19?

“…Notably, half of these studies utilize life span samples that allow for evaluating how older age predicts better or worse functioning ( Barber & Kim, 2020 ; Bruine de Bruin, 2020 ; Klaiber et al, 2020 ; Losada-Balter et al, 2020 ; Pearman et al, 2020 ). Moreover, two papers offer valuable perspectives on why being older may strengthen the ability to deal with adversity ( Lind et al, 2020 ) and the importance of using behavioral research to reduce ageism and promote intergenerational solidarity ( Ayalon et al, 2020 ).…”

“… Klaiber and colleagues (2020) found that, in the early weeks of the pandemic, older adults did not differ from younger adults in their exposure to COVID-19 stressors, but did report better emotional well-being and less reactivity to stressors. As highlighted in the article by Lind and colleagues (2020) , older age may proffer psychosocial strengths for dealing with adversity that have been acquired through experiencing life challenges and living through historical periods of population-wide stressors and considerable societal change.…”