Studying the accessibility and use of digital literacy among older adults during a global pandemic

Dhesi, Simran; Heacock, Helen; McIntyre, Lorraine; Health, BCIT School of Health Sciences Environmental

doi:10.47339/ephj.2021.194

Cited by 1 publication

(1 citation statement)

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“…It was a cross‐sectional e‐survey study undertaken in one developed country. While e‐surveys from credible sources are cost‐effective and efficient means to reach many people, 76 internet use tends to be lowest among older Canadians in their 80s, 77 and after age 75, so too might the comfort of those with lower levels of education around using internet‐based technology 78 . Our largest sampling shortfalls were among Canadians who had no degree, certificate or diploma, and who were 75–79 years of age and in their mid‐80s and older.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Mentally healthy living after pandemic social distancing: a study of older Canadians reveals helpful anxiety reduction strategies

Low,

Gutman,

Gao

et al. 2024

Psychogeriatrics

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BackgroundThroughout the COVID‐19 pandemic, older Canadians were the most at risk of severe physical harm, including death, and their return to post‐COVID life was expected to be especially anxiety‐provoking. A study was conducted to obtain nationally representative evidence of older Canadians' self‐perceived anxiety levels and their strategies to manage or mitigate it as public health restrictions were lifting.Materials and MethodsThis study had a cross‐sectional descriptive design. An e‐survey was used to collect data from 1327 Canadians aged 60+ stratified by age, sex, and education to resemble the larger general population. Participants completed the Geriatric Anxiety Scale (GAS‐10) and indicated which of the 16 Centre for Addictions and Mental Health's (2022) Coping with Stress and Anxiety strategies they were using to manage or mitigate their anxiety when social distancing was lifting. Descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, and multiple regression analysis were used to explore the data.ResultsWhile, on average, older Canadians were mildly anxious, nearly one‐quarter of responders rated their anxiety as severe. Age, sex, perceived health, were statistically significant correlates of anxiety. Six coping strategies were associated with significantly lower anxiety scores. Moreover, accepting some fear and anxiety as normal, challenging worries and anxious thoughts, and practising relaxation/meditation appeared to increase anxiety.ConclusionOlder Canadians used multiple strategies to manage or mitigate their anxiety, and seemingly, with more successful than detrimental tries. Practitioners have much to learn and understand about older people's mental health promotion efforts after social distancing, now and for future pandemics.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%