Occupational Disruption during the COVID-19 Pandemic: The Lived Experience of Community-Dwelling Older Adults. Issue 4 (11th December 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Rotenberg, Shlomit; Oreper, Julie S.; Bar, Yael; Davids-Brumer, Naomi; Arbel, Ifah; Dawson, Deirdre R.
• Is Part Of: Canadian journal on aging. Volume 40:Issue 4(2021)
• Page Start: 521
• Page End: 532
• Publication Date: 2021-12-11
• Subjects: aging -- COVID-19 -- occupational disruption -- Qualitative research; vieillissement -- COVID-19 -- interruption professionnelle -- recherche qualitative; Gerontology -- Periodicals; Gerontology -- Canada -- Periodicals; 612.6705
• DOI: 10.1017/S0714980821000465
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0714-9808

Abstract

Abstract: This qualitative descriptive study presents the experience of an abrupt disruption of daily activities among community-dwelling older adults during the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic. Sixteen older adults (age: 71 ± 6.4) were interviewed in April–June, 2020. Five themes were identified: (1) Understanding and applying COVID-19 guidelines: guidelines were clear and participants adhered closely to them, motivated mainly by fear; ageing-specific guidelines are needed. (2) Daily life during lockdown: the abrupt occupational disruption was managed by transitioning to virtual activities, and/or performing more activities at home. New daily activities were generally more sedentary and less meaningful. (3) Social context: family assistance aroused mixed feelings, as it compromised independence; limited compliance at the community level created stress. (4) Mood and affect: mood often fluctuated, and participants employed various coping strategies. (5) Aging: participants became more aware of their age and were concerned about negative health implications of adherence to COVID-19 guidelines.