Socio-ecological determinants of older people’s mental health and well-being during COVID-19: A qualitative analysis within the Irish context

Abstract

BackgroundEvidence indicates that older people with biological and social vulnerabilities are at high risk of short- and long-term consequences related to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, studies have also highlighted that the crisis may present opportunities for personal growth if older individuals are met with appropriate resources and support.ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to explore the perceptions of older people regarding how individual, social, and environmental factors have supported or hindered their well-being and health during COVID-19.MethodsWe analyzed data collected between April–May and October–November 2021 from the Well-being, Interventions and Support during Epidemics (WISE) study, a qualitative investigation of community-dwellers based in Ireland and aged 65 years or over. Participants (n = 57) completed written submissions, narrative interviews and/or go-along interviews detailing their experiences during the pandemic. Framework analysis was carried out in NVivo 12 to identify determinants, linkages, and explanations within Bronfenbrenner’s socio-ecological model.ResultsThe mean age of participants was 74.9 years, 53% were female, 45% lived alone, and 86% lived in areas with high urban influence. Our findings highlight the heterogeneous effect of COVID-19 across diverse older individuals who held distinct concerns, capabilities, and roles in society before and during the pandemic. Multi-scalar contextual characteristics such as individual’s living arrangements, neighborhood social and built environments, as well as social expectations about aging and help seeking, had an influential role in participants’ well-being and available supports. We identified mixed views regarding public health restrictions, but a consensus emerged questioning the suitability of one-size-fits-all approaches based on chronological age.ConclusionsOur results suggest that some negative pandemic consequences could have been avoided by increasing collaboration with older people and with the provision of clearer communications. The interdependencies identified between individual characteristics and socio-ecological factors that influenced participants’ availability of supports and development of adaptive strategies represent areas of opportunity for the development of age-friendly interventions during and beyond public health crises.

Association between residential environment and emotional wellbeing among older adults in China: the mediating effect of health lifestyle

“…McLeroy et al ( 50 ) introduced the social-ecological model into health research, noting that behavior is determined by intrapersonal factors, interpersonal processes, primary groups, institutional factors, community factors, and public policies. The socio-ecological model is often used to analyze the influencing factors of health-related factors, such as eating behaviors ( 51 ), physical activity ( 52 ), and mental wellbeing ( 53 ). The socio-ecological model differs from traditional psychological models in that it explicitly combines direct external influences with peripheral factors, making the socio-ecological model popular in the public health realm ( 54 ).…”

Older adults' experiences of wellbeing during the COVID-19 pandemic: a comparative qualitative study in Italy and Switzerland

“…Nonetheless, the ability to cope with the stressors brought about by the pandemic was influenced by factors on the micro-, meso-, and macro- levels. On the micro-level, studies have revealed that characteristics like being in good health, previous experiences of adversity, stable financial status, and social networks positively affected individuals' ability to cope with the pandemic (Guzman et al, 2023 ), while having a migration background was associated with increased pandemic-related worry (Ludwig-Dehm et al, 2023 ) and loneliness (Pan et al, 2021 ). At the meso-level, neighborhood parks and nature were positively related to mental and physical health (Bustamante et al, 2022 ; Guzman et al, 2023 ).…”

“…On the micro-level, studies have revealed that characteristics like being in good health, previous experiences of adversity, stable financial status, and social networks positively affected individuals' ability to cope with the pandemic (Guzman et al, 2023 ), while having a migration background was associated with increased pandemic-related worry (Ludwig-Dehm et al, 2023 ) and loneliness (Pan et al, 2021 ). At the meso-level, neighborhood parks and nature were positively related to mental and physical health (Bustamante et al, 2022 ; Guzman et al, 2023 ). At the macro-level, stricter physical distancing measures mandated by governments were associated with worse mental health (Mendez-Lopez et al, 2022 ).…”