1
|
Schafer MH. Social contact during the COVID-19 pandemic: The role of long-term connectedness and cumulative inequality in later life. SOCIAL SCIENCE RESEARCH 2024; 120:103007. [PMID: 38763541 DOI: 10.1016/j.ssresearch.2024.103007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2023] [Revised: 01/12/2024] [Accepted: 03/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/21/2024]
Abstract
Though the COVID-19 crisis put many older adults at sudden risk of social isolation, the pandemic was far from the "great equalizer" some pundits and politicians initially claimed it would be. Drawing from Cumulative Inequality Theory, I consider how long-run patterns of social dis/connectedness contextualize key disparities in social contact that manifested during the pandemic. I incorporate data from four rounds of the National Social Life, Health, and Aging Project (2005-2021), constructing multiple operationalizations of connectedness accumulation across pre-COVID years and examining several types of social contact during the pandemic, both in-person and remote. Results from ordered logistic regression show that those most durably connected were especially likely to incorporate digital tools for maintaining contact with family and friends. On the other hand, people experiencing more bouts of social disconnection were least likely to see friends during the pandemic, and were yet relatively tolerant of that level of engagement. Even while many older people's level of social dis/connectedness fluctuates over the course of 15 years, it was long-run accumulation patterns-not conditions observed most recently-that best explain their experience of social contact during the pandemic. Findings point to the role of crises in perpetuating and exacerbating key axes of inequality, and suggest points of attention and intervention in COVID's aftermath.
Collapse
|
2
|
Dones I, Ciobanu RO. Older adults' experiences of wellbeing during the COVID-19 pandemic: a comparative qualitative study in Italy and Switzerland. FRONTIERS IN SOCIOLOGY 2024; 9:1243760. [PMID: 38751995 PMCID: PMC11094362 DOI: 10.3389/fsoc.2024.1243760] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2023] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024]
Abstract
Background Particularly at the beginning of the pandemic, adults aged 65 and older were portrayed as a homogeneously vulnerable population due to the elevated health risks associated with contracting the COVID-19 disease. This portrayal, combined with travel restrictions, closures of economic sectors, country-wide lockdowns, and suggestions by governmental authorities to limit social contact, had important implications for the wellbeing of older individuals. However, older adults are a heterogeneous population who relies on different resources to cope with stressful periods, like the COVID-19 pandemic. Simultaneously, countries also employed different measures to contain the virus. Research thus far has focused on the short-term consequences of the pandemic, but studies have yet to address its long-term consequences. Objectives We explore older adults' lived experiences nearly 2 years after the pandemic onset. Moreover, we focus on the bordering countries of Switzerland and Italy, who employed contrasting containment measures. This paper analyzes (1) How the COVID-19 pandemic impacted the experiences of wellbeing of older adults in these regions and (2) How older adults coped with the stressors brought about by the pandemic, in particular social distancing. Methods The paper draws on 31 semi-structured interviews with 11 Swiss natives residing in Switzerland, 10 Italian migrants residing in Switzerland, and 10 Italian natives residing in Italy. Interviews were conducted from December 2021 to March 2022. Results Coping mechanisms of the three groups related to acceptance, hobbies, cognitive reframing, telephone use, vaccine use and social distancing. However, results show heterogeneous experiences of wellbeing, with Swiss natives sharing more positive narratives than the other two groups. Moreover, Italian migrants and Italian natives expressed the long-term negative consequences of the pandemic on their experienced wellbeing.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Iuna Dones
- Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
- Swiss Center of Expertise in Life Course Research (LIVES), Geneva, Switzerland
- Faculty of Social Work, University of Applied Sciences and Arts Western Switzerland (HETSL/HES-SO), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Ruxandra Oana Ciobanu
- Swiss Center of Expertise in Life Course Research (LIVES), Geneva, Switzerland
- Faculty of Social Work, University of Applied Sciences and Arts Western Switzerland (HETSL/HES-SO), Lausanne, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Schwarzer FM, Probst-Hensch N, Kwiatkowski M, Höglinger M. Long-term development of loneliness in older people and associations with stringency of COVID-19 measures: an observational cohort study. Age Ageing 2024; 53:afae069. [PMID: 38600849 PMCID: PMC11007266 DOI: 10.1093/ageing/afae069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 04/12/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Most longitudinal studies found heightened feelings of loneliness in older people in spring 2020 compared to times before the pandemic. However, longer-term effects are more disputed. We, therefore, investigated changes in loneliness in older people throughout the first 21 months of the COVID-19 pandemic in Switzerland and examined the association between the stringency of COVID-19 measures and feelings of loneliness. METHODS We assessed loneliness (3-item University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) loneliness scale) in a nationally representative longitudinal observational online survey. Older people (65-79 years) were surveyed between March 2020 and December 2021. Proportions of people feeling lonely (UCLA loneliness scale >6) were compared in two stringent phases ('lockdown', Oxford University stringency index ≥55) and two less restricted phases. Additionally, we explored the situation of potentially more susceptible subgroups (living alone, women, chronic and mental diseases, low educational level and low income). RESULTS Phases with stringent measures were associated with higher levels of loneliness in older people. People living alone, women, people with noncommunicable or mental disease diagnoses and lower income show consistently higher levels of loneliness. However, the differences are not accentuated in phases with more stringent measures. We found little differences between subgroups with varying educational levels. CONCLUSIONS Even in a country with relatively less stringent COVID-19 measures like Switzerland, an increase in the proportion of older people that feel lonely could be found during phases with more stringent COVID-19 measures. Lockdown phases should, therefore, be accompanied by evidence-based interventions to relieve loneliness to avoid adverse short- and long-term consequences.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Flurina Meier Schwarzer
- Winterthur Institute of Health Economics, School of Management and Law, Zurich University of Applied Sciences, Winterthur 8401, Switzerland
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Allschwil 4123, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel 4003, Switzerland
| | - Nicole Probst-Hensch
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Allschwil 4123, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel 4003, Switzerland
| | - Marek Kwiatkowski
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Allschwil 4123, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel 4003, Switzerland
| | - Marc Höglinger
- Winterthur Institute of Health Economics, School of Management and Law, Zurich University of Applied Sciences, Winterthur 8401, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Karmann J, Handlovsky I, Moullec G, Frohlich KL, Hébert R, Ferlatte O. Understanding the Experiences of COVID-19 Public Health Measures and Well-Being: A Qualitative Study Among Older Adults in Quebec, Canada. QUALITATIVE HEALTH RESEARCH 2024:10497323241232928. [PMID: 38442373 DOI: 10.1177/10497323241232928] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/07/2024]
Abstract
This interpretative descriptive study explores how public health measures implemented during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in Quebec, Canada, affected the well-being of older adults. Twenty-six participants aged 60-81 took photographs to depict how COVID-19 public health measures affected their well-being and were invited to discuss their photographs in virtual focus groups. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis. The impacts of health measures on the well-being of participants were framed according to three overarching themes. First, participants endured an intensification of ageism, feeling diminished and excluded from their social spheres. Second, they faced a burden of loneliness due to the loss of connections with their communities, particularly for those who were single and without children. Third, participants highlighted navigating a degradation of social cohesion. This manifested through tensions and distrust in both the public and private spheres, as well as acts of resistance in response to rules deemed unjust. While public health measures were essential to prevent onward transmission of COVID-19 and mortality, they negatively impacted older adults' self-image, loneliness, and trust in society. This study argues for a rethinking of public health norms specific to older adults to address potential sources of inequality. In particular, a greater emphasis is needed on social connectedness and addressing the unique needs of older adults during pandemics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Julie Karmann
- École de Santé Publique de l'Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
- Centre de recherche en santé publique, Université de Montréal et CIUSSS du Centre-Sud-de-l'Île-de-Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | | | - Gregory Moullec
- Centre de recherche en santé publique, Université de Montréal et CIUSSS du Centre-Sud-de-l'Île-de-Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
- Centre de Recherche du CIUSSS du Nord-de-l'Île-de-Montréal (CIUSSS-NIM), Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Katherine L Frohlich
- École de Santé Publique de l'Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
- Centre de recherche en santé publique, Université de Montréal et CIUSSS du Centre-Sud-de-l'Île-de-Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Réjean Hébert
- École de Santé Publique de l'Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
- Centre de recherche en santé publique, Université de Montréal et CIUSSS du Centre-Sud-de-l'Île-de-Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Olivier Ferlatte
- École de Santé Publique de l'Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
- Centre de recherche en santé publique, Université de Montréal et CIUSSS du Centre-Sud-de-l'Île-de-Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Lapenskie J, Anderson K, Lawlor PG, Kabir M, Noel C, Heidinger B, Parsons HA, Cohen L, Gratton V, Besserer E, Adeli S, Murphy R, Warmels G, Bruni A, Bhimji K, Dyason C, Enright P, Desjardins I, Wooller K, Arsenault-Mehta K, Webber C, Bedard D, Iyengar A, Bush SH, Isenberg SR, Tanuseputro P, Vanderspank-Wright B, Downar J. Long-term bereavement outcomes in family members of those who died in acute care hospitals before and during the first wave of COVID-19: A cohort study. Palliat Med 2024; 38:264-271. [PMID: 38229211 PMCID: PMC10865760 DOI: 10.1177/02692163231223394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Severe grief is highly distressing and prevalent up to 1 year post-death among people bereaved during the first wave of COVID-19, but no study has assessed changes in grief severity beyond this timeframe. AIM Understand the trajectory of grief during the pandemic by reassessing grief symptoms in our original cohort 12-18 months post-death. DESIGN Prospective matched cohort study. SETTINGS/PARTICIPANTS Family members of decedents who died in an acute care hospital between November 1, 2019 and August 31, 2020 in Ottawa, Canada. Family members of patients who died of COVID (COVID +ve) were matched 2:1 with those who died of non-COVID illness (COVID -ve) during pandemic wave 1 or immediately prior to its onset (pre-COVID). Grief was assessed using the Inventory of Complicated Grief (ICG). RESULTS Follow-up assessment was completed by 92% (111/121) of family members in the initial cohort. Mean ICG score on the 12-18-month assessment was 19.9 (SD = 11.8), and severe grief (ICG > 25) was present in 28.8% of participants. One-third (33.3%) had either a persistently high (>25) or worsening ICG score (⩾4-point increase between assessments). Using a modified Poisson regression analysis, persistently high or worsening ICG scores were associated with endotracheal intubation in the deceased, but not cause of death (COVID +ve, COVID -ve, pre-COVID) or physical presence of the family member in the final 48 h of life. CONCLUSIONS Severe grief is a substantial source of psychological morbidity in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, persisting more than a year post-death. Our findings highlight an acute need for effective and scalable means of addressing severe grief.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Julie Lapenskie
- Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Bruyère Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Koby Anderson
- Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Bruyère Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Peter G. Lawlor
- Bruyère Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Division of Palliative Care, Department of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Bruyère Continuing Care, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Monisha Kabir
- Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Bruyère Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Chelsea Noel
- Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Bruyère Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Brandon Heidinger
- Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Bruyère Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Henrique A. Parsons
- Division of Palliative Care, Department of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- The Ottawa Hospital, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Leila Cohen
- Division of Palliative Care, Department of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- The Ottawa Hospital, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Valérie Gratton
- Division of Palliative Care, Department of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | | | - Samantha Adeli
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Rebekah Murphy
- Division of Palliative Care, Department of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Bruyère Continuing Care, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Queensway-Carleton Hospital, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Grace Warmels
- Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Division of Palliative Care, Department of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- The Ottawa Hospital, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Queensway-Carleton Hospital, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Adrianna Bruni
- Division of Palliative Care, Department of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- The Ottawa Hospital, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Queensway-Carleton Hospital, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Khadija Bhimji
- Division of Palliative Care, Department of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- The Ottawa Hospital, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Queensway-Carleton Hospital, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Claire Dyason
- Division of Palliative Care, Department of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- The Ottawa Hospital, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Paula Enright
- Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Division of Palliative Care, Department of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- The Ottawa Hospital, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Isabelle Desjardins
- Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- The Ottawa Hospital, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Krista Wooller
- Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- The Ottawa Hospital, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Department of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | | | - Colleen Webber
- Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Bruyère Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | | | | | - Shirley H Bush
- Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Bruyère Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Division of Palliative Care, Department of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Bruyère Continuing Care, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Sarina R Isenberg
- Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Bruyère Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Division of Palliative Care, Department of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Peter Tanuseputro
- Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Bruyère Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Division of Palliative Care, Department of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Bruyère Continuing Care, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Institut du Savoir Montfort, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Brandi Vanderspank-Wright
- Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- School of Nursing, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - James Downar
- Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Bruyère Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Division of Palliative Care, Department of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Bruyère Continuing Care, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- The Ottawa Hospital, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Australian Centre for Health Law Research, Queensland University of Technology School of Law, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Morgan T, Wiles J, Morgan K, Williams L, Black S, Koh A, Fanueli E, Moeke-Maxwell T, Xu J, Goodwin H, Gott M. Older people's views on loneliness during COVID-19 lockdowns. Aging Ment Health 2024; 28:142-150. [PMID: 37178140 DOI: 10.1080/13607863.2023.2211549] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2022] [Accepted: 04/29/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES There have been growing concerns that social distancing and stay-at-home mandates have exacerbated loneliness for older people. Empirical evidence about older people's experiences of loneliness and COVID-19 have quantified this phenomena without considering how older people themselves define and understand loneliness. This paper explores how older New Zealanders conceptualized and experienced loneliness under 'lockdown' stay-at-home measures. METHODS This multi-methods qualitative study combines data from letters (n = 870) and interviews (n = 44) collected from 914 people aged over 60 and living in Aotearoa, New Zealand during the COVID-19 pandemic. We conducted a reflexive thematic analysis to conceptualise this data. FINDINGS We identify three interconnected ways in which older people conceptualised and experienced loneliness: (1) feeling disconnected relating to lack of emotional closeness to another often resulting from being physically separated from others and not being able to touch; (2) feeling imprisoned relating to separation from preferred identities and activities and was frequently associated with boredom and frustration; and (3) feeling neglected which often related to feeling let down by generalised and idealised forms of support, such as one's neighbourhood and health care system. DISCUSSION Older New Zealanders experienced lockdown loneliness in three interconnected ways rather than as a stable and homogenous experience. Māori, Pacific, Asian and New Zealand European older people often discussed loneliness in different ways; attesting to loneliness being a culturally-mediated concept shaped by expectations around desirable social interaction. We conclude the paper with implications for research and policy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tessa Morgan
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Janine Wiles
- School of Population Health, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Kathryn Morgan
- School of Nursing, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Lisa Williams
- School of Nursing, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Stella Black
- School of Nursing, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Anne Koh
- School of Nursing, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Elizabeth Fanueli
- School of Population Health, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Tess Moeke-Maxwell
- School of Nursing, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Jing Xu
- School of Nursing, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Hetty Goodwin
- School of Nursing, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Merryn Gott
- School of Nursing, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Xu S, Wang H, Song Q, Burr JA. Sensory impairment and depressive symptoms among older adults before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Aging Ment Health 2024; 28:112-120. [PMID: 37551091 PMCID: PMC10841205 DOI: 10.1080/13607863.2023.2242290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2022] [Accepted: 07/21/2023] [Indexed: 08/09/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study examined the associations between sensory impairment (SI), lack of social contact during the COVID-19 pandemic, and depressive symptoms among Americans aged 50 and above. METHODS We employed data from the 2018 and 2020 Health and Retirement Study (N = 13,460) to examine four SI groups: no SI, visual impairment (VI) only, hearing impairment (HI) only, and dual sensory impairment (DSI). First, multilevel models were employed to estimate the associations between SI and depressive symptoms before and during the pandemic using the full dataset (N = 13,460). Second, linear regression models were employed to estimate the moderation effect of lack of social contact during the pandemic using the 2020 wave data only (N = 4,133). RESULTS Among older adults, 15.60% had VI only, 10.16% had HI only, and 9.66% had DSI. All SI groups reported significantly more depressive symptoms than the no SI group. The differences between older adults with VI and DSI and those without SI regarding depressive symptoms narrowed during the pandemic. There was no statistically significant moderation effect of lack of social contact for SI and depressive symptoms. CONCLUSION Older adults with SI faced mental health challenges and demonstrated psychological resilience during the pandemic. Future research should examine other risk factors that may modify the relationship between SI and mental health during public health crises.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shu Xu
- Department of Gerontology, John W. McCormack Graduate School of Policy and Global Studies, University of Massachusetts Boston, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Haowei Wang
- Department of Sociology, Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs, Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY, USA
| | - Qian Song
- Department of Gerontology, John W. McCormack Graduate School of Policy and Global Studies, University of Massachusetts Boston, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jeffrey A Burr
- Department of Gerontology, John W. McCormack Graduate School of Policy and Global Studies, University of Massachusetts Boston, Boston, MA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Lättman K, Olsson LE, Waygood EOD, Friman M. Nowhere to go - Effects on elderly's travel during Covid-19. TRAVEL BEHAVIOUR & SOCIETY 2023; 32:100574. [PMID: 36911425 PMCID: PMC9986143 DOI: 10.1016/j.tbs.2023.100574] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2021] [Revised: 12/14/2022] [Accepted: 02/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has presented numerous, significant challenges for elderly in their daily life. In order to reach a deeper understanding of the feelings and thoughts of the elderly related to their possibilities to travel and engage in activities during the pandemic, this study takes a qualitative approach to exploring the views of the elderly themselves. The study focuses on experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic. A number of in-depth semi-structured interviews with elderly aged 70 and above, were conducted in June 2020. Applied Thematic Analysis (ATA) was applied, as a first stage, to investigate meaningful segments of data. In a second stage these identified segments were combined into a number of themes. This study reports the outcome of the ATA analysis. More specifically we report experiences, motivations and barriers for travel and activity participation, and discuss how these relate to the health and well-being of elderly, and vice versa. These findings highlight the strong need to develop a transport system that to a higher extent addresses the physical as well as the mental health of old people, with a particular focus on facilitating social interactions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Katrin Lättman
- Karlstad University, CTF - Service Research Center and Department of Social and Psychological Studies, SE-65188 Karlstad, Sweden
- Department of Occupational Health Science and Psychology, University of Gävle, SE-80176 Gävle, Sweden
| | - Lars E Olsson
- Karlstad University, CTF - Service Research Center and Department of Social and Psychological Studies, SE-65188 Karlstad, Sweden
| | - E Owen D Waygood
- Polytechnique Montreal, Department of Civil Geological and Mining Engineering, PO Box 6079, Montréal, QC H3C 3A7, Canada
| | - Margareta Friman
- Karlstad University, CTF - Service Research Center and Department of Social and Psychological Studies, SE-65188 Karlstad, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Stolz E, Mayerl H, Freidl W. The impact of COVID-19 restrictions on older adults' loneliness: Evidence from high-frequency panel data in Austria (2020-2022). Arch Gerontol Geriatr 2023; 107:104907. [PMID: 36538839 PMCID: PMC9753455 DOI: 10.1016/j.archger.2022.104907] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2022] [Revised: 12/13/2022] [Accepted: 12/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND It is unclear how strong and long lasting the effects of recurring COVID-19 pandemic restrictions are on older adults' loneliness. METHODS 457 retired older Austrians (60+) provided 9,489 repeated observations of loneliness across 30 survey waves of the Austrian Corona Panel Project between March 2020 and March 2022. Ordinal mixed regression models were used to estimate the effect of time-varying country-level strictness of COVID-19 restrictions (stringency index, range=0-100) on older adult's loneliness. RESULTS The proportion of older adults who reported to be often lonely correlated (r = 0.45) with the stringency index over time: both peaked during lock-downs (stringency index = 82, often lonely = 10%-13%) and were lowest during the summer of 2020 (stringency index = 36, often lonely = 4%-6%). Results from regression models adjusted for the number of new COVID-19 cases and deaths indicate, that when the stringency index increased by one point, the odds for loneliness increased by 2%. Older adults who lived alone were more likely lonely during the pandemic and were more affected by COVID-19 restriction measures compared to those living with others. CONCLUSIONS More stringent COVID-19 restrictions were associated with an increase in (situational) loneliness among older adults in Austria, and this effect was stronger among those who lived alone. Efforts should be made to enable older adults, in particular those who live alone, to allow for save in-person contact in case of (future) periods of strict pandemic restriction measures.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Erwin Stolz
- Institute of Social Medicine and Epidemiology, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria.
| | - Hannes Mayerl
- Institute of Social Medicine and Epidemiology, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Wolfgang Freidl
- Institute of Social Medicine and Epidemiology, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Caro JC, Clark AE, D'Ambrosio C, Vögele C. The impact of COVID-19 lockdown stringency on loneliness in five European countries. Soc Sci Med 2022; 314:115492. [PMID: 36343461 PMCID: PMC9617690 DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2022.115492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2021] [Revised: 10/12/2022] [Accepted: 10/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE The coronavirus pandemic has forced governments to implement a variety of different dynamic lockdown-stringency strategies in the last two years. Extensive lockdown periods could have potential unintended consequences on mental health, at least for at-risk groups. OBJECTIVE We present novel evidence on the heterogeneous direct and indirect effects of lockdown-stringency measures on individuals' perception of social isolation (i.e. loneliness) using panel data from five European countries (Germany, France, Spain, Italy and Sweden), which tracks changes in both in-person and remote social interactions between May 2020 and March 2021. METHOD We combine data from the COME-HERE panel survey (University of Luxembourg) and the Oxford COVID-19 Government Response Tracker (OxCGRT). We implement a dynamic mixture model in order to estimate the loneliness sub-population classes based on the severity of loneliness, as well as the evolution of social interactions. RESULTS While loneliness is remarkably persistent over time, we find substantial heterogeneity across individuals, identifying four latent groups by loneliness severity. Group membership probability varies with age, gender, education and cohabitation status. Moreover, we note significant differences in the impact of social interactions on loneliness by degree of severity. Older people are less likely to feel lonely, but were more affected by lockdown measures, partly due to a reduction in face-to-face interactions. On the contrary, the younger, especially those living alone, report high levels of loneliness that are largely unaffected by changes in the pandemic after lockdown measures were initially implemented. CONCLUSIONS Understanding the heterogeneity in loneliness is key for the identification of at-risk populations that can be severely affected by extended lockdown measures. As part of public-health crisis-response systems, it is critical to develop support measures for older individuals living alone, as well as promoting continuous remote communication for individuals more likely to experience high levels of loneliness.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Andrew E Clark
- University of Luxembourg, Luxembourg; Paris School of Economics - CNRS, France
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
11
|
Sanders JS, Pillai RLI, Sturley R, Sillau S, Asato MR, Aravamuthan BR, Bonuck K, Cervenka MC, Hammond N, Siegel JF, Siasoco V, Margolis BA. Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the Behavioral Health of People With Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities. Psychiatr Serv 2022; 73:1389-1392. [PMID: 35734865 DOI: 10.1176/appi.ps.202100524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The authors examined how the COVID-19 pandemic affected the behavioral health of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). METHODS A modified version of the Coronavirus Health Impact Survey-Adapted for Autism and Related Neurodevelopmental Conditions was sent to the authors' clinical networks and IDD-affiliated organizations from March to June 2021. RESULTS In total, 437 people with IDD or their caregivers responded to the survey. Diagnoses included intellectual disability (51%) and autism spectrum disorder (48%). More than half (52%) of respondents reported worsened mental health. Losing access to services correlated with declining mental health. Interventions suggested to improve behavioral health included more time with friends and family (68%), more time outdoors (61%), and access to community activities (59%). CONCLUSIONS COVID-19 affected the behavioral health of individuals with IDD. Survey results highlight the opportunity to leverage physical activity and pandemic-safe social supports as accessible means to mitigate gaps in services.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Solomon Sanders
- Department of Pediatrics (Sanders) and Department of Neurology (Sanders, Sillau), University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora; University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School-Baystate, Springfield (Pillai); Program in Humanistic Studies, Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey (Sturley); Kennedy Krieger Institute (Asato) and Adult Epilepsy Diet Center (Cervenka), Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore; Institute of Clinical and Translational Sciences, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis (Aravamuthan); Department of Pediatrics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York City (Bonuck, Siegel, Siasoco); Department of Neurology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City (Hammond); Access: Supports for Living, Middletown, New York (Margolis)
| | - Rajapillai L I Pillai
- Department of Pediatrics (Sanders) and Department of Neurology (Sanders, Sillau), University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora; University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School-Baystate, Springfield (Pillai); Program in Humanistic Studies, Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey (Sturley); Kennedy Krieger Institute (Asato) and Adult Epilepsy Diet Center (Cervenka), Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore; Institute of Clinical and Translational Sciences, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis (Aravamuthan); Department of Pediatrics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York City (Bonuck, Siegel, Siasoco); Department of Neurology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City (Hammond); Access: Supports for Living, Middletown, New York (Margolis)
| | - Rachel Sturley
- Department of Pediatrics (Sanders) and Department of Neurology (Sanders, Sillau), University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora; University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School-Baystate, Springfield (Pillai); Program in Humanistic Studies, Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey (Sturley); Kennedy Krieger Institute (Asato) and Adult Epilepsy Diet Center (Cervenka), Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore; Institute of Clinical and Translational Sciences, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis (Aravamuthan); Department of Pediatrics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York City (Bonuck, Siegel, Siasoco); Department of Neurology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City (Hammond); Access: Supports for Living, Middletown, New York (Margolis)
| | - Stefan Sillau
- Department of Pediatrics (Sanders) and Department of Neurology (Sanders, Sillau), University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora; University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School-Baystate, Springfield (Pillai); Program in Humanistic Studies, Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey (Sturley); Kennedy Krieger Institute (Asato) and Adult Epilepsy Diet Center (Cervenka), Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore; Institute of Clinical and Translational Sciences, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis (Aravamuthan); Department of Pediatrics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York City (Bonuck, Siegel, Siasoco); Department of Neurology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City (Hammond); Access: Supports for Living, Middletown, New York (Margolis)
| | - Miya R Asato
- Department of Pediatrics (Sanders) and Department of Neurology (Sanders, Sillau), University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora; University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School-Baystate, Springfield (Pillai); Program in Humanistic Studies, Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey (Sturley); Kennedy Krieger Institute (Asato) and Adult Epilepsy Diet Center (Cervenka), Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore; Institute of Clinical and Translational Sciences, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis (Aravamuthan); Department of Pediatrics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York City (Bonuck, Siegel, Siasoco); Department of Neurology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City (Hammond); Access: Supports for Living, Middletown, New York (Margolis)
| | - Bhooma R Aravamuthan
- Department of Pediatrics (Sanders) and Department of Neurology (Sanders, Sillau), University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora; University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School-Baystate, Springfield (Pillai); Program in Humanistic Studies, Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey (Sturley); Kennedy Krieger Institute (Asato) and Adult Epilepsy Diet Center (Cervenka), Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore; Institute of Clinical and Translational Sciences, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis (Aravamuthan); Department of Pediatrics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York City (Bonuck, Siegel, Siasoco); Department of Neurology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City (Hammond); Access: Supports for Living, Middletown, New York (Margolis)
| | - Karen Bonuck
- Department of Pediatrics (Sanders) and Department of Neurology (Sanders, Sillau), University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora; University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School-Baystate, Springfield (Pillai); Program in Humanistic Studies, Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey (Sturley); Kennedy Krieger Institute (Asato) and Adult Epilepsy Diet Center (Cervenka), Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore; Institute of Clinical and Translational Sciences, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis (Aravamuthan); Department of Pediatrics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York City (Bonuck, Siegel, Siasoco); Department of Neurology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City (Hammond); Access: Supports for Living, Middletown, New York (Margolis)
| | - Mackenzie C Cervenka
- Department of Pediatrics (Sanders) and Department of Neurology (Sanders, Sillau), University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora; University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School-Baystate, Springfield (Pillai); Program in Humanistic Studies, Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey (Sturley); Kennedy Krieger Institute (Asato) and Adult Epilepsy Diet Center (Cervenka), Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore; Institute of Clinical and Translational Sciences, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis (Aravamuthan); Department of Pediatrics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York City (Bonuck, Siegel, Siasoco); Department of Neurology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City (Hammond); Access: Supports for Living, Middletown, New York (Margolis)
| | - Nancy Hammond
- Department of Pediatrics (Sanders) and Department of Neurology (Sanders, Sillau), University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora; University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School-Baystate, Springfield (Pillai); Program in Humanistic Studies, Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey (Sturley); Kennedy Krieger Institute (Asato) and Adult Epilepsy Diet Center (Cervenka), Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore; Institute of Clinical and Translational Sciences, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis (Aravamuthan); Department of Pediatrics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York City (Bonuck, Siegel, Siasoco); Department of Neurology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City (Hammond); Access: Supports for Living, Middletown, New York (Margolis)
| | - Joanne F Siegel
- Department of Pediatrics (Sanders) and Department of Neurology (Sanders, Sillau), University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora; University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School-Baystate, Springfield (Pillai); Program in Humanistic Studies, Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey (Sturley); Kennedy Krieger Institute (Asato) and Adult Epilepsy Diet Center (Cervenka), Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore; Institute of Clinical and Translational Sciences, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis (Aravamuthan); Department of Pediatrics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York City (Bonuck, Siegel, Siasoco); Department of Neurology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City (Hammond); Access: Supports for Living, Middletown, New York (Margolis)
| | - Vincent Siasoco
- Department of Pediatrics (Sanders) and Department of Neurology (Sanders, Sillau), University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora; University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School-Baystate, Springfield (Pillai); Program in Humanistic Studies, Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey (Sturley); Kennedy Krieger Institute (Asato) and Adult Epilepsy Diet Center (Cervenka), Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore; Institute of Clinical and Translational Sciences, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis (Aravamuthan); Department of Pediatrics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York City (Bonuck, Siegel, Siasoco); Department of Neurology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City (Hammond); Access: Supports for Living, Middletown, New York (Margolis)
| | - Benjamin A Margolis
- Department of Pediatrics (Sanders) and Department of Neurology (Sanders, Sillau), University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora; University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School-Baystate, Springfield (Pillai); Program in Humanistic Studies, Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey (Sturley); Kennedy Krieger Institute (Asato) and Adult Epilepsy Diet Center (Cervenka), Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore; Institute of Clinical and Translational Sciences, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis (Aravamuthan); Department of Pediatrics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York City (Bonuck, Siegel, Siasoco); Department of Neurology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City (Hammond); Access: Supports for Living, Middletown, New York (Margolis)
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Arpino B, Mair CA, Quashie NT, Antczak R. Loneliness before and during the COVID-19 pandemic-are unpartnered and childless older adults at higher risk? Eur J Ageing 2022; 19:1327-1338. [PMID: 36692762 PMCID: PMC9294803 DOI: 10.1007/s10433-022-00718-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
COVID-19 mitigation efforts had the potential to exacerbate loneliness among older adults, particularly for the unpartnered or childless, yet specific studies on loneliness among these groups during the COVID-19 pandemic are lacking. Using data from the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe (SHARE) collected before (October 2019-March 2020) and during the pandemic (June-August 2020), we examine two loneliness outcomes: (1) "have you felt lonely recently?" (both datasets) and (2) "have you felt lonelier than before the pandemic?" (2020), and examine differences by partnership and parenthood status. Before COVID-19, those who lacked one tie but had the other (unpartnered parents or partnered childless) were at highest loneliness risk. During COVID-19, unpartnered and childless-especially unpartnered-remain at higher risk for loneliness, entering loneliness, and not "exiting" loneliness. We discuss these findings in light of family norms and needs in pandemic and non-pandemic times and provide recommendations for future research. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s10433-022-00718-x.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bruno Arpino
- University of Florence, Viale Morgagni, 59, 50134, Florence, Italy.
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
13
|
Age integration in later life social networks and self-perceptions of aging: examining their reciprocal associations. Eur J Ageing 2022; 19:1145-1153. [PMID: 36692745 PMCID: PMC9729448 DOI: 10.1007/s10433-022-00688-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/16/2022] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Relying on the age segregation theory (limited contact between age groups), this study examined the temporal reciprocal associations between age integration-the inclusion of older and younger people in one's personal network-and one's self-perceptions of aging (SPA). Data came from the 2014 and 2017 waves of the German Ageing Survey and focused on adults aged 60 and above (N = 5239). Age composition of the network was assessed as the number of kin and non-kin in the social network who are either more than 10 years older or more than 10 years younger than the respondent. A latent change score model assessed the bidirectional associations. The results showed that adults who had younger social network members, both kin and non-kin, had better SPA 3 years later. A positive SPA at baseline also predicted a higher number of younger non-kin and older non-kin relationships over time. These results stress the role of SPA in adults' social network as well as the role of age integration in shaping adults' SPA. Practitioners and policy makers should encourage connections between people of different ages and should strive to decrease the age segregation in society.
Collapse
|
14
|
Hoogendijk EO, Schuster NA, van Tilburg TG, Schaap LA, Suanet B, De Breij S, Kok AA, Van Schoor NM, Timmermans EJ, de Jongh RT, Visser M, Huisman M. Longitudinal Aging Study Amsterdam COVID-19 exposure index: a cross-sectional analysis of the impact of the pandemic on daily functioning of older adults. BMJ Open 2022. [PMID: 36323473 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/26/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to develop an index to measure older adults' exposure to the COVID-19 pandemic and to study its association with various domains of functioning. DESIGN Cross-sectional study. SETTING The Longitudinal Aging Study Amsterdam (LASA), a cohort study in the Netherlands. PARTICIPANTS Community-dwelling older adults aged 62-102 years (n=1089) who participated in the LASA COVID-19 study (June-September 2020), just after the first wave of the pandemic. PRIMARY OUTCOME MEASURES A 35-item COVID-19 exposure index with a score ranging between 0 and 1 was developed, including items that assess the extent to which the COVID-19 situation affected daily lives of older adults. Descriptive characteristics of the index were studied, stratified by several sociodemographic factors. Logistic regression analyses were performed to study associations between the exposure index and several indicators of functioning (functional limitations, anxiety, depression and loneliness). RESULTS The mean COVID-19 exposure index score was 0.20 (SD 0.10). Scores were relatively high among women and in the southern region of the Netherlands. In models adjusted for sociodemographic factors and prepandemic functioning (2018-2019), those with scores in the highest tertile of the exposure index were more likely to report functional limitations (OR: 2.24; 95% CI: 1.48 to 3.38), anxiety symptoms (OR: 3.14; 95% CI: 1.82 to 5.44), depressive symptoms (OR: 2.49; 95% CI: 1.55 to 4.00) and loneliness (OR: 2.97; 95% CI: 2.08 to 4.26) than those in the lowest tertile. CONCLUSIONS Among older adults in the Netherlands, higher exposure to the COVID-19 pandemic was associated with worse functioning in the physical, mental and social domain. The newly developed exposure index may be used to identify persons for whom targeted interventions are needed to maintain or improve functioning during the pandemic or postpandemic.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Emiel O Hoogendijk
- Department of Epidemiology & Data Science, Amsterdam Public Health research institute, Amsterdam UMC, Location VUmc, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Noah A Schuster
- Department of Epidemiology & Data Science, Amsterdam Public Health research institute, Amsterdam UMC, Location VUmc, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Theo G van Tilburg
- Department of Sociology, Faculty of Social Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Laura A Schaap
- Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Science, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Bianca Suanet
- Department of Sociology, Faculty of Social Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Sascha De Breij
- Department of Epidemiology & Data Science, Amsterdam Public Health research institute, Amsterdam UMC, Location VUmc, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Almar Al Kok
- Department of Epidemiology & Data Science, Amsterdam Public Health research institute, Amsterdam UMC, Location VUmc, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Natasja M Van Schoor
- Department of Epidemiology & Data Science, Amsterdam Public Health research institute, Amsterdam UMC, Location VUmc, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Erik J Timmermans
- Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, Utrecht University Medical Center, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Renate T de Jongh
- Department of Internal Medicine, Amsterdam UMC, Location VUmc, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Marjolein Visser
- Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Science, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Martijn Huisman
- Department of Epidemiology & Data Science, Amsterdam Public Health research institute, Amsterdam UMC, Location VUmc, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Sociology, Faculty of Social Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Hoogendijk EO, Schuster NA, van Tilburg TG, Schaap LA, Suanet B, De Breij S, Kok AA, Van Schoor NM, Timmermans EJ, de Jongh RT, Visser M, Huisman M. Longitudinal Aging Study Amsterdam COVID-19 exposure index: a cross-sectional analysis of the impact of the pandemic on daily functioning of older adults. BMJ Open 2022; 12:e061745. [PMID: 36323473 PMCID: PMC9638742 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2022-061745] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to develop an index to measure older adults' exposure to the COVID-19 pandemic and to study its association with various domains of functioning. DESIGN Cross-sectional study. SETTING The Longitudinal Aging Study Amsterdam (LASA), a cohort study in the Netherlands. PARTICIPANTS Community-dwelling older adults aged 62-102 years (n=1089) who participated in the LASA COVID-19 study (June-September 2020), just after the first wave of the pandemic. PRIMARY OUTCOME MEASURES A 35-item COVID-19 exposure index with a score ranging between 0 and 1 was developed, including items that assess the extent to which the COVID-19 situation affected daily lives of older adults. Descriptive characteristics of the index were studied, stratified by several sociodemographic factors. Logistic regression analyses were performed to study associations between the exposure index and several indicators of functioning (functional limitations, anxiety, depression and loneliness). RESULTS The mean COVID-19 exposure index score was 0.20 (SD 0.10). Scores were relatively high among women and in the southern region of the Netherlands. In models adjusted for sociodemographic factors and prepandemic functioning (2018-2019), those with scores in the highest tertile of the exposure index were more likely to report functional limitations (OR: 2.24; 95% CI: 1.48 to 3.38), anxiety symptoms (OR: 3.14; 95% CI: 1.82 to 5.44), depressive symptoms (OR: 2.49; 95% CI: 1.55 to 4.00) and loneliness (OR: 2.97; 95% CI: 2.08 to 4.26) than those in the lowest tertile. CONCLUSIONS Among older adults in the Netherlands, higher exposure to the COVID-19 pandemic was associated with worse functioning in the physical, mental and social domain. The newly developed exposure index may be used to identify persons for whom targeted interventions are needed to maintain or improve functioning during the pandemic or postpandemic.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Emiel O Hoogendijk
- Department of Epidemiology & Data Science, Amsterdam Public Health research institute, Amsterdam UMC, Location VUmc, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Noah A Schuster
- Department of Epidemiology & Data Science, Amsterdam Public Health research institute, Amsterdam UMC, Location VUmc, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Theo G van Tilburg
- Department of Sociology, Faculty of Social Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Laura A Schaap
- Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Science, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Bianca Suanet
- Department of Sociology, Faculty of Social Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Sascha De Breij
- Department of Epidemiology & Data Science, Amsterdam Public Health research institute, Amsterdam UMC, Location VUmc, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Almar Al Kok
- Department of Epidemiology & Data Science, Amsterdam Public Health research institute, Amsterdam UMC, Location VUmc, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Natasja M Van Schoor
- Department of Epidemiology & Data Science, Amsterdam Public Health research institute, Amsterdam UMC, Location VUmc, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Erik J Timmermans
- Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, Utrecht University Medical Center, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Renate T de Jongh
- Department of Internal Medicine, Amsterdam UMC, Location VUmc, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Marjolein Visser
- Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Science, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Martijn Huisman
- Department of Epidemiology & Data Science, Amsterdam Public Health research institute, Amsterdam UMC, Location VUmc, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Sociology, Faculty of Social Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Tsang VHL, Tse DCK, Chu L, Fung HH, Mai C, Zhang H. The mediating role of loneliness on relations between face-to-face and virtual interactions and psychological well-being across age: A 21-day diary study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BEHAVIORAL DEVELOPMENT 2022. [DOI: 10.1177/01650254221132775] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Lack of social interaction is associated with a heightened sense of loneliness and, in turn, poorer psychological well-being. Despite the prevalence of communicating with others virtually even when physically alone, whether the social interaction–loneliness–well-being relationship is different between face-to-face and virtual interactions and between younger and older adults is relatively understudied. This 21-day diary study examined this question among younger ( n = 91; Mage = 22.87) and older ( n = 107; Mage = 64.53) Hong Kong participants during the early stage of the COVID-19 pandemic (March–May 2020). We found significant indirect effects of shorter face-to-face interaction time on poorer psychological well-being via a heightened sense of loneliness at the within-person level only among younger adults and at the between-person level only among older adults. Independent of loneliness, spending more time with others on virtual interactions was associated with better psychological well-being only among older adults. Taken together, while the mechanisms may be different across age groups, face-to-face interaction remains an effective way to reduce loneliness and enhance psychological well-being even at times when it is discouraged (e.g., pandemic). Although virtual interaction does not reduce loneliness, its positive impact on older adults’ well-being sheds light on the utility of promoting technological acceptance in late adulthood.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vivian H. L. Tsang
- The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
- Hong Kong Metropolitan University, Hong Kong
| | - Dwight C. K. Tse
- The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
- University of Strathclyde, UK
| | | | | | - Chunyan Mai
- The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Hanyu Zhang
- The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Cohn‐Schwartz E, Finlay JM, Kobayashi LC. Perceptions of societal ageism and declines in subjective memory during the COVID-19 pandemic: Longitudinal evidence from US adults aged ≥55 years. THE JOURNAL OF SOCIAL ISSUES 2022; 78:JOSI12544. [PMID: 36249550 PMCID: PMC9538955 DOI: 10.1111/josi.12544] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2021] [Revised: 07/18/2022] [Accepted: 07/18/2022] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
The cognitive health of older adults since the COVID-19 pandemic onset is unclear, as is the potential impact of pandemic-associated societal ageism on perceived cognition. We investigated associations between perceptions of societal ageism and changes in subjective memory over a 10-month period during the COVID-19 pandemic. We collected longitudinal data from monthly online questionnaires in the nationwide COVID-19 Coping Study of US adults aged ≥55 from April 2020 to January 2021 (N = 4444). We analyzed the data using multivariable longitudinal multilevel models. We identified an overall decline in subjective memory, especially in the initial months of the pandemic. Adults who perceived that societal respect for older adults decreased during the pandemic experienced more rapid declines in their subjective memory. These findings suggest that aging adults perceived a decline in their memory, especially during the initial months of the COVID-19 pandemic. Societal interventions to combat ageism may help improve subjective memory and could decrease risk for cognitive decline among middle-aged and older adults.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ella Cohn‐Schwartz
- Epidemiology, Biostatistics, and Community Health SciencesFaculty of Health SciencesBen‐Gurion UniversityBeer‐ShevaIsrael
| | - Jessica M. Finlay
- Center for Social Epidemiology and Population HealthDepartment of EpidemiologyUniversity of Michigan School of Public HealthAnn ArborMichiganUSA
- Social Environment and Health ProgramSurvey Research CenterUniversity of Michigan Institute for Social ResearchAnn ArborMichiganUSA
| | - Lindsay C. Kobayashi
- Center for Social Epidemiology and Population HealthDepartment of EpidemiologyUniversity of Michigan School of Public HealthAnn ArborMichiganUSA
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Psychological Wellbeing and Psychological Distress in the Elderly during the COVID-19 Pandemic. CONSORTIUM PSYCHIATRICUM 2022. [DOI: 10.17816/cp176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND: The elderly population is deemed to be the most vulnerable to the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. From March 2020 to April 2022, the implementation of psychological distancing is still being applied in Indonesia. In the light of the pandemic, mental health problems among the elderly require further exploration. This study examines the mental health status of the elderly during the COVID-19 pandemic in Indonesia and the factors that affect their mental health, such as loneliness and attachment to God.
METHODS: A sequential explanatory type of the mixed-method approach was adopted for the purposes of this study. In particular, the researchers first conducted a quantitative survey, analyzed its results, and then explained them in more detail using qualitative research.
RESULTS: The results show that loneliness is a predictor of mental health in the elderly, while attachment to God does not correlate with mental health. More specifically, we described that minimal activity, inability to meet children and grandchildren, and inability to recite the Quran were the main factors triggering sadness among the elderly during the COVID-19 pandemic. Furthermore, we defined that elderly people use productive and religious activities, and communication as main coping strategies.
CONCLUSION: Loneliness has been a serious problem for the elderly during the COVID-19 pandemic, impacting their mental health. The findings of this research can be used as a basis or reference for maintaining the mental health of the elderly during the pandemic.
Collapse
|
19
|
Cohn-Schwartz E, Hoffman Y, Shrira A. The effect of pre-pandemic PTSD and depression symptoms on mental distress among older adults during COVID-19. J Psychiatr Res 2022; 151:633-637. [PMID: 35653853 PMCID: PMC9125133 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2022.05.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2022] [Revised: 04/19/2022] [Accepted: 05/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To explore the extent that pre-COVID-19 comorbid PTSD-depression symptoms prospectively predict mental distress among older adults during COVID-19. METHODS We used the Israeli component of the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe (SHARE-Israel), and focused on older adults who participated in 2015 and 2020 and were aged 60 years old or above in 2020 (N = 754). Mental distress was measured via symptoms of depression, feeling anxious\nervous, and loneliness. RESULTS Older adults who suffered from PTSD-depression comorbidity prior to the pandemic showed the highest risk of feeling more depressed, anxious\nervous, and lonelier than those with no pre-pandemic symptoms. CONCLUSIONS This study suggests that it would be beneficial to prioritize those older adults with a comorbid PTSD-depression diagnosis for interventions, as they are at the highest risk for mental distress in the event of a new stressor.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ella Cohn-Schwartz
- Department of Epidemiology, Biostatistics, and Community Health Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheba, Israel.
| | - Yaakov Hoffman
- The Interdisciplinary Department of Social Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan, Israel
| | - Amit Shrira
- The Interdisciplinary Department of Social Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan, Israel
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Reilly ED, Chamberlin ES, Duarte BA, Harris JI, Shirk SD, Kelly MM. The Impact of COVID-19 on Self-Reported Substance Use, Well-Being, and Functioning Among United States Veterans: A Cross-Sectional Study. Front Psychol 2022; 13:812247. [PMID: 35478735 PMCID: PMC9035845 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.812247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2021] [Accepted: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
As the COVID-19 pandemic sweeps the globe, many veterans with substance use issues have faced the closure of treatment facilities, mandates to shelter in place, and social distancing measures. To better understand their pandemic experiences, substance use changes, and functioning, a survey was nationally administered to a sample of United States veterans reporting substance use issues during the pandemic. The purpose of this cross-sectional online survey for veterans (N = 409) was to report on COVID-19 experiences, safety behaviors, and infection experiences while also investigating the relationship among addictive behaviors, mental and physical health, and COVID-19 impact. Measures also assessed specific substance use concerns, pandemic-related loneliness, and functioning. Though few veterans reported personally receiving a confirmed COVID-19 medical diagnosis (10.5%), the impact of pandemic stressors was evident, with a majority reporting anxiety related to contracting COVID-19 (61.4%) or fear of a family member or close friend contracting COVID-19 (58.7%). Participants reported increased use of alcohol (45.3%), sedatives (36.6%), inhalants (35.7%), tobacco (35.0%), and cannabis (34.9%), attributed specifically to the pandemic. Regression analyses revealed that even when controlling for the contribution of problematic substance use issues, negative pandemic impacts and self-reported COVID-19 related loneliness were related to more impaired physical and mental health functioning during the pandemic. Findings from this sample of veterans with addiction issues add to the growing literature suggesting unique and adverse effects of COVID-19 stressors on functioning while also revealing specific pandemic impacts for this group.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Erin D. Reilly
- Mental Illness Research, Education, and Clinical Center (MIRECC), VA Bedford Healthcare System, Bedford, MA, United States
- The Department of Psychiatry and Department of Population and Quantitative Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, United States
- *Correspondence: Erin D. Reilly,
| | - Elizabeth S. Chamberlin
- Mental Illness Research, Education, and Clinical Center (MIRECC), VA Bedford Healthcare System, Bedford, MA, United States
| | | | - J. Irene Harris
- Mental Illness Research, Education, and Clinical Center (MIRECC), VA Bedford Healthcare System, Bedford, MA, United States
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN, United States
| | - Steven D. Shirk
- Mental Illness Research, Education, and Clinical Center (MIRECC), VA Bedford Healthcare System, Bedford, MA, United States
- The Department of Psychiatry and Department of Population and Quantitative Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, United States
| | - Megan M. Kelly
- Mental Illness Research, Education, and Clinical Center (MIRECC), VA Bedford Healthcare System, Bedford, MA, United States
- The Department of Psychiatry and Department of Population and Quantitative Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, United States
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Kulmala J, Tiilikainen E, Lisko I, Ngandu T, Kivipelto M, Solomon A. Personal Social Networks of Community-Dwelling Oldest Old During the Covid-19 Pandemic-A Qualitative Study. Front Public Health 2022; 9:770965. [PMID: 35004583 PMCID: PMC8739883 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2021.770965] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2021] [Accepted: 11/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic and its related restrictions have affected the everyday life of older people. Advanced age is a significant predisposing factor for a more severe COVID-19 infection, increasing the risk for hospitalization and mortality. Even though restrictions have been, thus, well-grounded, they may also have had detrimental effects on the social well-being of older people. Personal networks and social activity are known protective factors against the premature decline in health and functioning, and it is widely acknowledged that social isolation increases feelings of loneliness, poor quality of life, and even the risk for diseases and disabilities among older adults. This qualitative study investigated changes in personal networks among community-dwelling oldest-old individuals (persons aged 80 and over) during the first and second waves of the COVID-19 pandemic in Finland. The data is part of the Cardiovascular Risk Factors, Aging, and Dementia (CAIDE85+) study, which is an ongoing large longitudinal population-based study in Finland. In this qualitative sub-study, we analyzed fifteen in-depth telephone interviews using directed content analyses and identified five types of changes in personal social networks during the pandemic. In type 1, all social contacts were significantly reduced due to official recommendations and fear of the virus. Type 2 included modified ways of being socially active i.e., by deploying new technology, and in type 3, social contacts increased during the lockdown. In type 4, personal social networks were changed unexpectedly or dramatically due to a death of a spouse, for example. In type 5, we observed stable social networks, which had not been affected by the pandemic. At an individual level, one person could have had different types of changes during the pandemic. These results highlight the heterogeneity of the oldest olds' personal social networks and changes related to them during the exceptional times of the COVID-19 pandemic. Social activity and personal networks play an important role in the well-being of the oldest old, but individual situations, needs, and preferences toward personal social networks should be taken into account when planning social activities, policies, and interventions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jenni Kulmala
- Faculty of Social Sciences (Health Sciences) and Gerontology Research Center (GEREC), Tampere University, Tampere, Finland.,Division of Clinical Geriatrics, Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Center for Alzheimer Research, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.,Population Health Unit, Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Elisa Tiilikainen
- Department of Social Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Inna Lisko
- Division of Clinical Geriatrics, Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Center for Alzheimer Research, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.,Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences and Gerontology Research Center (GEREC), University of Jyväskylä, Jyväskylä, Finland
| | - Tiia Ngandu
- Division of Clinical Geriatrics, Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Center for Alzheimer Research, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.,Population Health Unit, Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Miia Kivipelto
- Division of Clinical Geriatrics, Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Center for Alzheimer Research, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.,Population Health Unit, Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, Helsinki, Finland.,Institute of Clinical Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland.,Ageing Epidemiology Research Unit, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom.,Clinical Trials Unit, Theme Aging, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden.,Institute of Public Health and Clinical Nutrition, University of Eastern Finland, Helsinki, Finland.,Neurocenter, Department of Neurology, Kuopio University Hospital, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Alina Solomon
- Division of Clinical Geriatrics, Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Center for Alzheimer Research, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.,Institute of Clinical Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Latikka R, Koivula A, Oksa R, Savela N, Oksanen A. Loneliness and psychological distress before and during the COVID-19 pandemic: Relationships with social media identity bubbles. Soc Sci Med 2021; 293:114674. [PMID: 34959045 PMCID: PMC8688936 DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2021.114674] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2021] [Revised: 12/07/2021] [Accepted: 12/19/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on well-being and mental health are a concern worldwide. This article is based on two longitudinal studies that investigated the role of social media use in loneliness and psychological distress before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Study 1 utilized nationally representative 3-point longitudinal data (n = 735) collected in 2017–2020 on the Finnish population. Study 2 utilized 5-point longitudinal data (n = 840) collected in 2019–2021 representing the Finnish working population. We analyzed the data using multilevel mixed-effects regression analysis. A longitudinal analysis of Study 1 showed that perceived loneliness did not increase among the Finnish population during the COVID-19 pandemic. Stronger involvement in social media identity bubbles predicted lower loneliness during the pandemic. Study 2 results showed that since the outbreak of the pandemic, psychological distress has increased among lonely individuals but not among the general working population. Involvement in social media identity bubbles predicted generally lower psychological distress during the COVID-19 pandemic, but it did not buffer against higher psychological distress among lonely individuals. The findings suggest that perceived loneliness is a risk factor for prolonged negative mental health effects of the pandemic. Social media identity bubbles can offer meaningful social resources during times of social distancing but cannot protect against higher psychological distress among those who perceive themselves as often lonely.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rita Latikka
- Faculty of Social Sciences, Tampere University, Kalevantie 4, 33100, Tampere, Finland.
| | - Aki Koivula
- Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Turku, Assistentinkatu 7, 20500, Turku, Finland.
| | - Reetta Oksa
- Faculty of Social Sciences, Tampere University, Kalevantie 4, 33100, Tampere, Finland.
| | - Nina Savela
- Faculty of Social Sciences, Tampere University, Kalevantie 4, 33100, Tampere, Finland.
| | - Atte Oksanen
- Faculty of Social Sciences, Tampere University, Kalevantie 4, 33100, Tampere, Finland.
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Shapira S, Cohn-Schwartz E, Yeshua-Katz D, Aharonson-Daniel L, Clarfield AM, Sarid O. Teaching and Practicing Cognitive-Behavioral and Mindfulness Skills in a Web-Based Platform among Older Adults through the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph182010563. [PMID: 34682309 PMCID: PMC8536173 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph182010563] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2021] [Revised: 10/03/2021] [Accepted: 10/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic has led to an acceleration in the development of web-based interventions to alleviate related mental health impacts. The current study explored the effects of a short-term digital group intervention aimed at providing cognitive behavioral and mindfulness tools and skills to reduce loneliness and depression and to increase social support among older adults in Israel. This pilot randomized controlled trial included community-dwelling older adults (n = 82; aged between 65–90 years; 80% female) who were randomized either to an intervention group (n = 64) or a wait-list control group (n = 18). The intervention included seven online sessions, over 3.5 weeks. Depression, loneliness, and social support measures were administered at baseline, immediately post-intervention, and at 1-month follow-up. Repeated measures ANOVA revealed statistically and clinically significant reductions in depression in the intervention group, with results maintained at one-month follow-up. Loneliness levels also significantly decreased post-intervention; however, this benefit was not maintained at one-month follow-up. Social support slightly increased both post-intervention and 1-month follow-up—but these changes were not statistically significant. There were no overall changes for the wait-list control group. Our intervention provided promising evidence regarding the effectiveness of an online group intervention to alleviate mental health effects and to promote the coping of older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic. This relatively simple model can be effectively utilized by communities globally to help connect lonely and isolated older inhabitants, both during the pandemic and in more routine times.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stav Shapira
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva 8410501, Israel
- PREPARED Center for Emergency Response Research, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva 8410501, Israel
| | - Ella Cohn-Schwartz
- The Department of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva 8410501, Israel
| | - Daphna Yeshua-Katz
- Department of Communication Studies, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva 8410501, Israel
| | - Limor Aharonson-Daniel
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva 8410501, Israel
- PREPARED Center for Emergency Response Research, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva 8410501, Israel
| | - Avram Mark Clarfield
- Medical School for International Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva 8410501, Israel
- The Department of Geriatrics, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3T 1E2, Canada
| | - Orly Sarid
- The Spitzer Department of Social Work, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva 8410501, Israel
| |
Collapse
|