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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.
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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
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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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Toze M, Gates TG, Hughes M, Dune T, Westwood S, Hafford-Letchfield T, Thepsourinthone J. Social Support in Older Transgender and Gender Diverse Communities in the United Kingdom and Australia: A Comparative Study During COVID-19. JOURNAL OF GERONTOLOGICAL SOCIAL WORK 2023; 66:381-399. [PMID: 35920781 DOI: 10.1080/01634372.2022.2107135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2022] [Revised: 07/18/2022] [Accepted: 07/25/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
While the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on older people has been recognized, there is limited understanding of its impact on older trans and gender diverse people who often have different experiences of care and support than the general population. This article examines older trans and gender diverse people's experience of social support during the COVID-19 pandemic, based on a comparative mixed method survey administered in Australia and the United Kingdom. Using a non-probability sample of 84 participants who were connected to social media and service organizations in the United Kingdom and Australia, we found some commonalities and differences between experiences in these countries. Some participants were isolated, including almost 1 in 5 participants who said that they did not have someone they could call upon in an emergency. However, participants had rich networks of friends, partners, and family members. Religious organizations and the community also played an important role. Friends were reported as the main emergency contacts and as the main people to whom support is provided. This research supports previous findings that friends of trans and gender diverse people play an important role in well-being.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Toze
- Lincoln Medical School, University of Lincoln, Lincoln, UK
| | - Trevor G Gates
- College of Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences, Colorado State University-Pueblo, Pueblo, Colorado, USA
- School of Law and Society, University of the Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs, Australia
| | - Mark Hughes
- Faculty of Health, Southern Cross University, Robina, Australia
| | - Tinashe Dune
- School of Health Sciences, Western Sydney University, Penrith, Australia
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Schmitz RM, Gomez G, Propst A, Tabler J, Charak R. Queer Politics of a Pandemic: LGBTQ + People's Conceptions of COVID-19's Politicization. SEXUALITY RESEARCH & SOCIAL POLICY : JOURNAL OF NSRC : SR & SP 2022; 20:751-765. [PMID: 35465237 PMCID: PMC9013631 DOI: 10.1007/s13178-022-00719-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/05/2022] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Introduction Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and/or queer (LGBTQ+) people have historically been at the center of contentious political debates in the United States. The pandemic's divisive politicization has created societal stress in both hindering mitigation efforts and exacerbating social marginalization. Research has examined relatively privileged groups' COVID beliefs; however, explorations are needed into ideological processes among those marginalized by COVID, such as LGBTQ+ people, to provide a holistic framework of queer politics. Methods Data come from in-depth interviews conducted with 43 LGBTQ+ people collected between October 2020 and January 2021. Purposive sampling was used to recruit participants from a larger survey on pandemic experiences. Results Through the "underdog" framework," LGBTQ+ people held strong convictions to science-informed political beliefs, which informed their critiques of inadequate government leadership. Participants also engaged in ideological resistance to harmful individualistic rhetoric through an emphasis on collectivism. The divisive politicization of the pandemic shaped numerous social stressors that LGBTQ+ people adapted to using various strategies to maintain their mental health. Conclusions Participants viewed American individualism and Christian nationalism as a public health threat that led to resistance to health and safety measures putting other people at risk. Findings support the underdog theory, with LGBTQ+ people elevating evidence-based science and disadvantaged groups' wellbeing by emphasizing social empathy as a collective good that supports community health. Policy Implications Findings can inform policies and community programming that promotes equity across all social identities through the depoliticization of public health and centering LGBTQ+ people's capacity for resistance and resilience.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel M. Schmitz
- Department of Sociology, Oklahoma State University, 457 Social Sciences & Humanities, Stillwater, OK 74078 USA
| | - Gabby Gomez
- Department of Sociology, Oklahoma State University, 457 Social Sciences & Humanities, Stillwater, OK 74078 USA
| | - Aidan Propst
- Department of Criminal Justice and Sociology, University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY USA
- Department of English, University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY USA
| | - Jennifer Tabler
- Department of Criminal Justice and Sociology, University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY USA
| | - Ruby Charak
- Department of Psychological Science, The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, Edinburg, TX USA
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Chen JH. Disparities in Mental Health and Well-Being between Heterosexual and Sexual Minority Older Adults during the COVID-19 Pandemic. J Aging Health 2022; 34:939-950. [PMID: 35430925 PMCID: PMC9014338 DOI: 10.1177/08982643221081965] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Objectives: This study examines disparities in older adults’ mental
health and well-being during the pandemic by sexual minority status.
Methods: This study analyzed data on older adults from the
Health and Retirement Study’s COVID-19 Module (N = 3142 for heterosexuals and N
= 75 for sexual minorities). Weighted regressions linked concern about COVID-19,
depression, pandemic emotional stress, and changes in loneliness, in-person
contacts, income, and work to sexual minority status, controlling for
sociodemographic characteristics. Results: Compared to
heterosexuals, sexual minority older adults had more concern about the pandemic
and emotional stress and showed a decrease in in-person contact during the
pandemic—these differences were not explained by sociodemographic
characteristics. Sexual minority older adults were also more likely to have
changes in income and work during the pandemic, but these differences were
explained by sociodemographic characteristics. Discussion: Sexual
minority older adults have experienced worse mental health outcomes than
heterosexuals during the COVID-19 pandemic, which merits intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jen-Hao Chen
- Department of Sociology & Department of Psychology, National Chengchi University, Taipei, Taiwan
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Hafford-Letchfield T. Support for LGBTQ+ people in later life. Nature 2022; 601:S11. [PMID: 35046590 DOI: 10.1038/d41586-022-00073-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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Bragazzi NL. The COVID-19 Pandemic Seen from a Syndemic Perspective: The LGBTQIA2SP+ Community. Infect Dis Rep 2021; 13:865-871. [PMID: 34698177 PMCID: PMC8544476 DOI: 10.3390/idr13040078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2021] [Accepted: 09/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
An adverse condition or a disease can (either directly or indirectly) interact in a synergistic fashion with other adverse conditions or diseases/maladies, and co-cluster together with them: this fundamental observation is at the basis of the term "syndemic" (a portmanteau for "synergistic epidemic") [...].
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicola Luigi Bragazzi
- Laboratory for Industrial and Applied Mathematics (LIAM), Department of Mathematics and Statistics, Faculty of Science, York University, Toronto, ON M3J 1P3, Canada
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Westwood S, Hafford-Letchfield T, Toze M. Physical and mental well-being, risk and protective factors among older lesbians /gay women in the United Kingdom during the initial COVID-19 2020 lockdown. J Women Aging 2021; 34:501-522. [PMID: 34486952 DOI: 10.1080/08952841.2021.1965456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
This article reports on a subset of findings from a recent UK survey of the impact of COVID-19 on older LGBT+ people in the UK. It considers the responses of 149 lesbian/gay women (137 cisgender, 12 trans) to questions relating to physical and mental health and wellbeing. Findings indicate that those women - in couples and singles - who were happy with their living circumstances pre-COVID showed stoicism, adaptability, and determined positivity in response to the pandemic and associated lockdown. Some even reported an improved quality of life, better personal relationships and increased neighborly support. By contrast, those women who were very unhappy with their circumstances prior to COVID-19 - generally women who lived alone and experienced a mismatch between their actual and desired social network - either remained unhappy or became more unhappy, due to its impact on fragile support systems. For trans women, formal support from trans/LGBT+ specific networks - online during COVID lockdown - were central to their wellbeing. Having access to, and being able to use, online technologies were essential to good mental health during lockdown. These findings reaffirm the diversity among older lesbians/gay women as well as highlighting how COVID-19 has acted as a magnifier to their preexisting circumstances. The narratives of those doing well - generally better-networked, intentionally positive and engaged in practices which promote their well-being - may offer insights for supporting those who find their lives more challenging, both during a public health crisis and more generally.
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