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Ahmadi A, Allahverdipour H, Valiee S, Pashazadeh F, Ghassab-Abdollahi N, Abdoli F, Matlabi H. COVID-19 stress and coping strategies among older adults: a systematic review of qualitative evidences. BMC Psychol 2023; 11:333. [PMID: 37828605 PMCID: PMC10571279 DOI: 10.1186/s40359-023-01382-1] [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: 12/14/2022] [Accepted: 10/06/2023] [Indexed: 10/14/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic has brought about far more stressful conditions for people worldwide. As a vulnerable group, older adults have suffered various psychological problems, such as stress, because of this pandemic and have applied various strategies to cope with the dire consequences. This study aimed to synthesize qualitative evidence regarding coping strategies for stressful situations among older adults throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS We searched electronic databases, including Scopus, Embase, PubMed, ProQuest, and the Cochrane Library, based on PRISMA standards. The protocol of this systematic review was registered on the PROSPERO (registration code: CRD42022364831). All relevant English-language articles published between 2019 and November 10, 2022, were searched. We reviewed the reference lists for all the included studies and key references. Two reviewers conducted screening, data extraction, and quality appraisal independently, with disagreements resolved by consensus with all team members. The Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) checklist was used to assess the quality of studies. A thematic synthesis of the selected studies was conducted. RESULTS We included 13 studies in our review. Most studies were conducted in the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic. The stress caused by the COVID-19 pandemic was classified into six categories: health management challenges, stress caused by quarantine, economic challenges, media and bad news stress, virus threats, and challenges related to the use of communication technologies. The strategies used by older adults to cope with these challenges were categorized into five categories: protective strategies, avoidance strategies, maintaining social connections, meaning-based strategies, and fun strategies. This research showed that depending on the situation and conditions, older adults use various strategies to cope with COVID-19. CONCLUSION Older adults experience much stress during the COVID-19 pandemic. In most cases, older adults can cope with these challenges with simple strategies from previous experiences and learnings. Older people require educational interventions in some cases, such as those involving communication skills. A better understanding of older adults coping strategies may enable policymakers to develop more effective policies and manage the problems of older adults in post-COVID situations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amir Ahmadi
- Department of Geriatric Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
- Student Research Committee, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Hamid Allahverdipour
- Department of Health Education and Promotion, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
- Clinical Psychiatry Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Sina Valiee
- Clinical Care Research Center, Research Institute for Health Development, Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Sanandaj, Iran
| | - Fariba Pashazadeh
- Research Center of Evidence-Based Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Nafiseh Ghassab-Abdollahi
- Department of Geriatric Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
- Student Research Committee, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Faranak Abdoli
- Department of Occupational Therapy, School of Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hossein Matlabi
- Department of Geriatric Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
- Research Center for Integrative Medicine in Aging, Aging Research Institute, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
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Derrer-Merk E, Reyes-Rodriguez MF, Soulsby LK, Roper L, Bennett KM. Older adults' experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic: a qualitative systematic literature review. BMC Geriatr 2023; 23:580. [PMID: 37730571 PMCID: PMC10510218 DOI: 10.1186/s12877-023-04282-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2022] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 09/22/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Relatively little is known about the lived experiences of older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic. We systematically review the international literature to understand the lived experiences of older adult's experiences during the pandemic. DESIGN AND METHODOLOGY This study uses a meta-ethnographical approach to investigate the included studies. The analyses were undertaken with constructivist grounded theory. RESULTS Thirty-two studies met the inclusion criteria and only five papers were of low quality. Most, but not all studies, were from the global north. We identified three themes: desired and challenged wellbeing; coping and adaptation; and discrimination and intersectionality. Overall, the studies' findings were varied and reflected different times during the pandemic. Studies reported the impact of mass media messaging and its mostly negative impact on older adults. Many studies highlighted the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on participants' social connectivity and well-being including missing the proximity of loved ones and in consequence experienced an increase in anxiety, feeling of depression, or loneliness. However, many studies reported how participants adapted to the change of lifestyle including new ways of communication, and social distancing. Some studies focused on discrimination and the experiences of sexual and gender minority and ethnic minority participants. Studies found that the pandemic impacted the participants' well-being including suicidal risk behaviour, friendship loss, and increased mental health issues. CONCLUSION The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted and impacted older adults' well-being worldwide. Despite the cultural and socio-economic differences many commonalities were found. Studies described the impact of mass media reporting, social connectivity, impact of confinement on well-being, coping, and on discrimination. The authors suggest that these findings need to be acknowledged for future pandemic strategies. Additionally, policy-making processes need to include older adults to address their needs. PROSPERO record [CRD42022331714], (Derrer-Merk et al., Older adults' lived experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic: a systematic review, 2022).
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Affiliation(s)
- Elfriede Derrer-Merk
- University of Liverpool, Eleanor Rathbone Building, Bedford Street South, Liverpool, L697ZA, UK.
| | | | - Laura K Soulsby
- University of Liverpool, Eleanor Rathbone Building, Bedford Street South, Liverpool, L697ZA, UK
| | - Louise Roper
- Principal Health Psychologist, Resilience Hub, Lancashire & South Cumbria Foundation Hospital, Chorley, UK
| | - Kate M Bennett
- University of Liverpool, Eleanor Rathbone Building, Bedford Street South, Liverpool, L697ZA, UK
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Karmann J, Handlovsky I, Lu S, Moullec G, Frohlich KL, Ferlatte O. Resilience among older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic: A photovoice study. SSM. QUALITATIVE RESEARCH IN HEALTH 2023; 3:100256. [PMID: 37073369 PMCID: PMC10037917 DOI: 10.1016/j.ssmqr.2023.100256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2022] [Revised: 02/24/2023] [Accepted: 03/23/2023] [Indexed: 03/26/2023]
Abstract
Older adults faced significant challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic but also demonstrated great resilience. Investigating these strengths may enhance and inform strategies to mitigate the impacts of the pandemic. To gain insight into the resilience processes of older adults during the first year of the pandemic, we conducted a photovoice study with 26 older adults (aged over 60) in the province of Quebec, Canada. Participants met online weekly for three weeks in small groups to discuss their photographs and share their resilience strategies. The thematic analysis revealed three interrelated themes. First, participants distanced themselves from the pandemic by engaging in activities that took their focus away from COVID-19 and that afforded much-needed respite. Second, participants regained their bearings by reorganizing their schedules and establishing new routines that bolstered occupation rather than rumination. Third, participants used the pandemic to self-reflect and revise their priorities, leveraging the pandemic as an opportunity for growth. Together, these themes demonstrate the strengths, coping strategies and resilience of older adults and contrast the stereotypes of older adults as vulnerable and resourceless. These findings have the potential to inform the implementation of strength-based health promotion initiatives to mitigate the harms of the pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie Karmann
- École de Santé Publique de l'Université de Montréal, Montréal, Canada
- Centre de Recherche en Santé Publique, Université de Montréal et CIUSSS du Centre-Sud-de-l'Île-de-Montréal, Montréal, Canada
| | | | - Sonia Lu
- École de Santé Publique de l'Université de Montréal, Montréal, Canada
- CIUSSS du Centre-Ouest-de-l'Île-de-Montréal, Montréal, Canada
| | - Gregory Moullec
- Centre de Recherche en Santé Publique, Université de Montréal et CIUSSS du Centre-Sud-de-l'Île-de-Montréal, Montréal, Canada
- Centre de Recherche du CIUSSS du Nord-de-l'Île-de-Montréal (CIUSSS-NIM), Montréal, Canada
| | - Katherine L Frohlich
- École de Santé Publique de l'Université de Montréal, Montréal, Canada
- Centre de Recherche en Santé Publique, Université de Montréal et CIUSSS du Centre-Sud-de-l'Île-de-Montréal, Montréal, Canada
| | - Olivier Ferlatte
- École de Santé Publique de l'Université de Montréal, Montréal, Canada
- Centre de Recherche en Santé Publique, Université de Montréal et CIUSSS du Centre-Sud-de-l'Île-de-Montréal, Montréal, Canada
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Brooks E, Mohammadi S, Mortenson WB, Backman CL, Tsukura C, Rash I, Chan J, Miller WC. 'Make the Most of the Situation'. Older Adults' Experiences during COVID-19: A Longitudinal, Qualitative Study. J Appl Gerontol 2022; 41:2205-2213. [PMID: 35658566 PMCID: PMC9177809 DOI: 10.1177/07334648221105062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily Brooks
- Department of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Medicine, 8166University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Somayyeh Mohammadi
- Department of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Medicine, 8166University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.,Rehabilitation Research Program, GF Strong Rehabilitation Centre, Vancouver, BC, Canada.,Department of Psychology, 4264Kingston University, London, UK
| | - W Ben Mortenson
- Department of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Medicine, 8166University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.,Rehabilitation Research Program, GF Strong Rehabilitation Centre, Vancouver, BC, Canada.,8166International Collaboration on Repair Discoveries, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Catherine L Backman
- Department of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Medicine, 8166University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Chihori Tsukura
- Department of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Medicine, 8166University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Isabelle Rash
- Department of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Medicine, 8166University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.,Graduate Program in Rehabilitation Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, 8166University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Janice Chan
- Department of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Medicine, 8166University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - William C Miller
- Department of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Medicine, 8166University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.,Rehabilitation Research Program, GF Strong Rehabilitation Centre, Vancouver, BC, Canada.,8166International Collaboration on Repair Discoveries, Vancouver, BC, Canada.,Graduate Program in Rehabilitation Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, 8166University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
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Fleury J, Sedikides C, Wildschut T, Coon DW, Komnenich P. Feeling Safe and Nostalgia in Healthy Aging. Front Psychol 2022; 13:843051. [PMID: 35444598 PMCID: PMC9015039 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.843051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2021] [Accepted: 02/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The population of older adults worldwide is growing, with an urgent need for approaches that develop and maintain intrinsic capacity consistent with healthy aging. Theory and empirical research converge on feeling safe as central to healthy aging. However, there has been limited attention to resources that cultivate feeling safe to support healthy aging. Nostalgia, "a sentimental longing for one's past," is established as a source of comfort in response to social threat, existential threat, and self-threat. Drawing from extant theory and research, we build on these findings to position nostalgia as a regulatory resource that cultivates feeling safe and contributes to intrinsic capacity to support healthy aging. Using a narrative review method, we: (a) characterize feeling safe as a distinct affective dimension, (b) summarize the character of nostalgia in alignment with feeling safe, (c) propose a theoretical account of the mechanisms through which nostalgia cultivates feeling safe, (d) highlight the contribution of nostalgia to feeling safe and emotional, physiological, and behavioral regulatory capabilities in healthy aging, and (e) offer conclusions and direction for research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie Fleury
- Center for Innovation in Healthy and Resilient Aging, Edson College of Nursing and Health Innovation, Arizona State University, Phoenix, AZ, United States
| | - Constantine Sedikides
- Centre for Research on Self and Identity, Department of Psychology, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - Tim Wildschut
- Centre for Research on Self and Identity, Department of Psychology, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - David W. Coon
- Center for Innovation in Healthy and Resilient Aging, Edson College of Nursing and Health Innovation, Arizona State University, Phoenix, AZ, United States
| | - Pauline Komnenich
- Center for Innovation in Healthy and Resilient Aging, Edson College of Nursing and Health Innovation, Arizona State University, Phoenix, AZ, United States
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