Re-engaging in Aging and Mobility Research in the COVID-19 Era: Early Lessons from Pivoting a Large-Scale, Interdisciplinary Study amidst a Pandemic

Abstract

In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, those planning and conducting research involving older adults have faced many challenges, in part because of the public health measures in place. This article details the early steps and corresponding strategies implemented by our multidisciplinary team to pivot our large-scale aging and mobility study. Based on the premise that all current and emerging research in aging has been impacted by the pandemic, we propose a continuum approach whereby the research question, analysis, and interpretation are situated in accordance with the stage of the pandemic. Using examples from our own study, we outline potential ways to partner with older adults and other stakeholders as well as to encourage collaboration beyond disciplinary silos even under the current circumstances. Finally, we suggest the formation of a Canadian-led consortium that leverages cross-disciplinary expertise to address the complexities of our aging population in the COVID-19 era and beyond.

Direct[Message]: Exploring Access and Engagement With the Arts Through Digital Technology in COVID Times

“…The survey was administered in three parts to ensure the number of questions and the time required to complete each section was manageable for facilitators and participants alike. This is consistent with the “practice excellence” literature on research with older adults (Roberts et al, 2021; Vrkljan et al, 2021), which recommends that researchers design manageable, flexible, and slow research methods that meet this group’s access requirements. Our survey included closed questions focused on demographic assessments and information about technology use, and open narrative questions with opportunities for participants to share stories and to upload photos or digital samples of their creative works.…”

“…The need to develop online research approaches and practices as a result of COVID-19 social distancing and research ethics protocols ironically has done much to advance the scholarship of online qualitative research (Tremblay et al, 2021). Yet assumptions about the apparent ease with which researchers might move a study protocol from an in-person to an online/digital approach with a bit of paperwork submitted to research ethics (Vrkljan et al, 2021) were challenged by the reality of attempting to make these moves under the constraints of the pandemic and without proven experience. Vrkljan et al (2021) suggest that pandemic protocols resulting in changes to research projects have explicated limitations to traditional approaches to research with older adults.…”

“…Yet assumptions about the apparent ease with which researchers might move a study protocol from an in-person to an online/digital approach with a bit of paperwork submitted to research ethics (Vrkljan et al, 2021) were challenged by the reality of attempting to make these moves under the constraints of the pandemic and without proven experience. Vrkljan et al (2021) suggest that pandemic protocols resulting in changes to research projects have explicated limitations to traditional approaches to research with older adults. Online/digital research projects “address[ing] structural inequalities” illustrate that research in the digital space is complex; projects that move online in the effort to respond to/account for certain inequalities reveal the complexities of marginalization as each change potentially results in the need for more resources and yet more changes (Roberts et al, 2021, p. 2).…”

“…Digital literacy was identified as a potential barrier to participation in the revised process. In reflecting on resources needed for continuing research with older adults during the pandemic, Vrkljan et al (2021) suggest it is important for older adult participants to . .…”

“…The CBR approach mobilized by Direct[Message] honors the complexity and diversity of older adult populations. Building on literature supporting knowledge mobilization emphasizing the significance of heterogeneity in understanding and reaching these populations (Jones et al, 2021; Vrkljan et al, 2021), we formulated Direct[Message] around a community-based approach reflective of a social-constructivist grounded theory methodology (Chun Tie et al, 2019; Sebastian, 2019). Our initial design sought to support knowledge and technology development by involving people who are directly and adversely affected by cultural disengagement and social isolation; we aimed to bring the co-created knowledge and technologies to the researched communities, for their use and benefit (Doyle & Timonen, 2010; Janes, 2016).…”