Maintaining social and emotional wellbeing among older adults during periods of increased social isolation: lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic

IF 3.6 4区 心理学 Q1 PSYCHOLOGY, MULTIDISCIPLINARY
Brigitta Scarfe, C. Adams, E. Gringart, D. McAullay, Moira Sim, N. Strobel
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引用次数: 3

Abstract

ABSTRACT Objective Older adults are vulnerable to isolation and poor emotional wellbeing during COVID-19, however, their access to appropriate supports is unknown. The aim of this study was to explore older adults’ experiences accessing social and emotional support during the COVID-19 pandemic in Australia. Method Ten older adults from Western Australia (Australia) aged 68 to 78 years participated in individual semi-structured interviews between December 2020 and January 2021. Responses were investigated using thematic analysis. Results Three key themes emerged: adaptability and self-sufficiency; informal support-seeking; and digital and online technologies. Older adults were adaptable to COVID-19 restrictions; however, some were anxious about reconnecting with their social networks once restrictions had eased. Older adults relied on their informal support networks to maintain their social and emotional wellbeing during lockdown. Digital platforms (e.g., Zoom, social media) enabled older adults to stay connected with others, yet some older people were unable or reluctant to use technology, leaving them vulnerable to social isolation. Conclusions Older adults are resilient to the challenges of COVID-19. Informal supports and digital technologies are important to maintaining social and emotional wellbeing during lockdown. Local governments and community groups may benefit from increased funding to deliver services that promote social connectedness during times of crisis. KEY POINTS What is already known about this topic: (1) Older adults are vulnerable to social isolation and poor mental health during COVID-19. (2) Older adults are less likely to seek and receive help for their emotional and social health than younger age groups. (3) Barriers to accessing appropriate supports include physical health problems, stigma, negative attitudes towards help-seeking and system-level factors. What this topic adds: (1) Older adults were able to adapt well to COVID-19 restrictions and relied on informal supports to maintain their wellbeing. (2) Older adults with limited social networks and poor access to and/or knowledge of digital technologies are at the greatest risk of social and emotional declines. (3) Telephone “warm” lines, volunteering opportunities, and programs to improve digital literacy may help to protect older adults’ social and emotional wellbeing during times of crises.
在社会孤立加剧期间保持老年人的社会和情感健康:来自2019冠状病毒病大流行的教训
摘要目的新冠肺炎期间,老年人容易被孤立,情绪健康状况不佳,但他们获得适当支持的途径尚不清楚。本研究的目的是探索澳大利亚新冠肺炎大流行期间老年人获得社会和情感支持的经历。方法10名来自西澳大利亚(澳大利亚)的68至78岁的老年人 years在2020年12月至2021年1月期间参加了个人半结构化访谈。采用专题分析法对答复进行了调查。结果出现了三个关键主题:适应性和自给自足;寻求非正式支持;以及数字和在线技术。老年人能够适应新冠肺炎限制;然而,一旦限制放宽,一些人对重新连接社交网络感到焦虑。在封锁期间,老年人依靠他们的非正式支持网络来维持他们的社交和情感健康。数字平台(如Zoom、社交媒体)使老年人能够与他人保持联系,但一些老年人无法或不愿使用技术,这使他们容易受到社会孤立。结论老年人对新冠肺炎的挑战有抵抗力。非正式支持和数字技术对于在封锁期间保持社交和情感健康非常重要。地方政府和社区团体可能会从增加资金中受益,以在危机时期提供促进社会联系的服务。要点关于这个话题的已知情况:(1)在新冠肺炎期间,老年人容易受到社会孤立和心理健康不良的影响。(2) 与年轻群体相比,老年人在情感和社会健康方面不太可能寻求和获得帮助。(3) 获得适当支持的障碍包括身体健康问题、耻辱感、对寻求帮助的消极态度和系统层面的因素。本主题补充道:(1)老年人能够很好地适应新冠肺炎限制,并依靠非正式支持来维持他们的健康。(2) 社交网络有限、接触和/或不了解数字技术的老年人社交和情绪下降的风险最大。(3) 电话“热线”、志愿服务机会和提高数字素养的计划可能有助于在危机时期保护老年人的社会和情感健康。
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来源期刊
Australian Journal of Psychology
Australian Journal of Psychology PSYCHOLOGY, MULTIDISCIPLINARY-
CiteScore
5.50
自引率
0.00%
发文量
19
期刊介绍: Australian Journal of Psychology is the premier scientific journal of the Australian Psychological Society. It covers the entire spectrum of psychological research and receives articles on all topics within the broad scope of the discipline. The journal publishes high quality peer-reviewed articles with reviewers and associate editors providing detailed assistance to authors to reach publication. The journal publishes reports of experimental and survey studies, including reports of qualitative investigations, on pure and applied topics in the field of psychology. Articles on clinical psychology or on the professional concerns of applied psychology should be submitted to our sister journals, Australian Psychologist or Clinical Psychologist. The journal publishes occasional reviews of specific topics, theoretical pieces and commentaries on methodological issues. There are also solicited book reviews and comments Annual special issues devoted to a single topic, and guest edited by a specialist editor, are published. The journal regards itself as international in vision and will accept submissions from psychologists in all countries.
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