Old dogs can learn new tricks. Loro viejo sí aprende a hablar. Evidence from the United Kingdom and Colombia.

Derrer‐Merk, Elfriede; Rodrigez, María Fernanda Reyes; Baracaldo, Pilar; Guevara, Marisol; Rodrı́guez, Gabriela; Fonseca, Ana-María; Ferson, Scott; Mannis, Adam; Bentall, Richard P.; Bennett, Kate Mary

doi:10.31219/osf.io/jzhge

Cited by 1 publication

(1 citation statement)

References 29 publications

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“…Based on this ontological and epistemological position our intention is to develop theory, rather than to test existing theories. Thus, our findings are grounded in the language of our participants [48][49][50][51]. Charmaz's [47] recommends that the analyses must be co-constructed between researcher and participants and aims to develop a theory grounded in the data [46].…”

Section: Design and Methodologymentioning

confidence: 99%

Belongingness challenged: Exploring the impact on older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic

Derrer‐Merk

Ferson²,

Mannis³

et al. 2022

PLoS ONE

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Objectives The sense of belonging is a fundamental human need. Enacting it through face-to-face social activities was no longer possible during the COVID-19 pandemic. In this study, we investigate how the sense of belonging, and how it is enacted, changed longitudinally amongst older adults in the UK. In addition, we examine the interplay of the sense of belonging and resilience over time. Methods We employed a longitudinal qualitative research design to explore the experiences of older adults during one year of the COVID-19 pandemic (April 2020-April 2021). The analysis was undertaken with constructivist grounded theory. Findings Before the pandemic older adults were free to engage in social relationships with family and friends, often enacted within social activity groups where they felt valued and gained positive experiences. During the pandemic face to face enactment of belongingness was reduced; adjustments needed to be made to maintain the sense of belonging. The experience of older adults was heterogeneous. We examine three themes. First, how belongingness was enacted prior to the pandemic. Examples include: family holidays, visiting each other, sports activities, eating with friends and family, and visiting cultural events. Second, how participants adapted and maintained their social involvement. Examples include: distanced face-to-face activities; and learning new technology. Third, for some, a belongingness gap emerged and persisted. There was an irretrievable loss of family members or friends, the closure of social groups, or withdrawal from groups as priorities changed. As a consequence, of challenged belongingness, participants expressed increased loneliness, anxiety, social isolation, frustration and, feelings of depression. For many, the disrupted sense of belonging no longer fostered resilience, and some previously resilient participants were no longer resilient.

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Section: Design and Methodologymentioning

confidence: 99%