Dataset Information

'Make the Most of the Situation'. Older Adults' Experiences during COVID-19: A Longitudinal, Qualitative Study.

ABSTRACT: The COVID-19 pandemic restrictions have been associated with increased social isolation and reduced participation in older adults. This longitudinal qualitative study drew on life course theory to analyse data from a series of four sequential semi-structured interviews conducted between May 2020-February 2021 with adults aged 65+ (n = 12) to explore older adults' experiences adjusting to the COVID-19 pandemic. We identified three themes: (1) Struggling 'You realize how much you lost' describes how older adults lost freedoms, social connections and activities; (2) Adapting 'whatever happens, happens, I'll do my best', revealing how older adults tried to maintain well-being, participation and connection; and (3) Appreciating 'enjoy what you have', exploring how older adults found pleasure and contentment. Engagement in meaningful activities and high-quality social interactions supported well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic for older adults. This finding highlights the need for policies and services to promote engagement during longstanding global crises.

SUBMITTER: Brooks E

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9177809 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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Publications

'Make the Most of the Situation'. Older Adults' Experiences during COVID-19: A Longitudinal, Qualitative Study.

Brooks Emily E Mohammadi Somayyeh S Mortenson W Ben WB Backman Catherine L CL Tsukura Chihori C Rash Isabelle I Chan Janice J Miller William C WC

Journal of applied gerontology : the official journal of the Southern Gerontological Society 20220605 10

The COVID-19 pandemic restrictions have been associated with increased social isolation and reduced participation in older adults. This longitudinal qualitative study drew on life course theory to analyse data from a series of four sequential semi-structured interviews conducted between May 2020-February 2021 with adults aged 65+ (<i>n</i> = 12) to explore older adults' experiences adjusting to the COVID-19 pandemic. We identified three themes: (1) <i>Struggling</i> 'You realize how much you los ...[more]

PMID: 35658566

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Project description:ObjectivesEmergency medicine physicians have played a pivotal role throughout the coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) pandemic through in-person and remote management and treatment. Our primary objectives were to understand emergency medicine physicians' experiences using telehealth throughout the pandemic, any facilitators/barriers to successful usage, lessons learned during implementation, and successful/abandoned strategies used to engage with older adults.MethodsUsing a semi-structured interview guide, we conducted 30-min interviews. We used purposeful sampling to recruit emergency medicine physicians from all United States regions, rural-urban settings, and academic and community practices, who reported caring for patients 65 years or older in-person or virtually during the pandemic. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed, double-coded, and analyzed for emergent themes using framework analysis.ResultsA total of 15 in-depth interviews were completed from September to November 2020. Physicians had a median age of 37 years, 7 were women, and 9 had experience with telehealth before the pandemic. We identified several themes: (1) there were various motivations for telehealth use; (2) telehealth was used primarily to supplement, not replace in-person care; (3) most platforms were easy to use; (4) patients and caregivers had high acceptability of telemedicine; and (5) older adults with sensory and cognitive impairments often relied on caregivers. Emergency medicine physicians played a critical role during primary care office closures during the first wave-dispelling misinformation about COVID-19, triaging patients to testing and treatment, and providing care that would otherwise have been deferred.ConclusionsOur data show that telemedicine gained acceptability among emergency medicine physicians and provided options to patients who may have otherwise deferred care. These findings can inform future healthcare delivery for acute care needs or pandemic responses.

Dataset Information

'Make the Most of the Situation'. Older Adults' Experiences during COVID-19: A Longitudinal, Qualitative Study.

Publications

'Make the Most of the Situation'. Older Adults' Experiences during COVID-19: A Longitudinal, Qualitative Study.

Similar Datasets

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