The Experience of Older Adults Socially Distancing during the Early Stages of the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

During the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic, individuals were asked to stay home and restrict outings to limit the spread of the virus. Physical isolation was particularly emphasized for older adults over the age of 60 who, because of their age and related medical conditions, were at increased risk of severe disease and death from the virus. This led to reduced spread of the virus but also to social and emotional health challenges for older adults. Protecting the physical health of older adults was of the utmost importance during the pandemic but supporting social and mental health must not be overlooked. This patient-oriented qualitative study involved 40 interviews with older adults, conducted in the early stages of the pandemic, followed by a thematic analysis. Three themes were derived from the findings: subverted life plan, emotional impacts, and creating a path forward. The findings from this study will help inform current physical and social distancing guidelines during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Moreover, findings indicate that social and emotional challenges with ongoing physical and social isolation must be taken into consideration for future pandemics.

Impact of social phone programs on loneliness and mood in older adults: a mixed methods systematic review protocol

“…7 Further, as COVID-19 continued, older adults became less concerned about their physical safety and more concerned about meeting their social and emotional needs. 8 The lack of prosocial behavior in older adults negatively influenced their quality of life, physical health, and mental health. 4,5,9 Many individuals have used technology, such as Zoom or FaceTime, to cope during the COVID-19 pandemic.…”

“…The experience of community-dwelling older adults socially distancing during the COVID-19 pandemic in Saskatchewan, Canada, was examined by our research team, and we found increased feelings of anxiety, low mood, and loneliness. 7 Older adults were forced to be more antisocial and missed prosocial activities, such as volunteering or community involvement. 7 Further, as COVID-19 continued, older adults became less concerned about their physical safety and more concerned about meeting their social and emotional needs.…”

“…Older adults were forced to be more antisocial and missed prosocial activities, such as volunteering or community involvement 7 . Further, as COVID-19 continued, older adults became less concerned about their physical safety and more concerned about meeting their social and emotional needs 8 . The lack of prosocial behavior in older adults negatively influenced their quality of life, physical health, and mental health 4,5,9 …”