Changes in daily life and wellbeing in adults, 70 years and older, in the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. (18th August 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Fristedt, Sofi; Carlsson, Gunilla; Kylén, Maya; Jonsson, Oskar; Granbom, Marianne
• Is Part Of: Scandinavian journal of occupational therapy. Volume 29:Number 6(2022)
• Page Start: 511
• Page End: 521
• Publication Date: 2022-08-18
• Subjects: Corona -- health -- later life -- occupational deprivation -- risk group -- social distancing -- social interaction -- Sweden; Occupational therapy -- Periodicals; 615.8515
• DOI: 10.1080/11038128.2021.1933171
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1103-8128

Abstract

Abstract: Background: In the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, Swedish authorities enforced specific recommendations on social distancing for adults 70 years and older (70+). Day-to-day life changed for 15% of the Swedish population. The aim of the study was to explore how adults 70+ experienced and managed changes in everyday life due to the COVID-19 pandemic and how those changes affected wellbeing at the beginning of the virus outbreak. Methods: Eleven women and six men, (mean age 76 years), living in ordinary housing, participated in remote semi-structured interviews in April 2020. The interviews were analysed with qualitative content analysis. Findings: The theme Suddenly at risk – '…but it could have been worse' included four categories My world closed down ; Negotiations, adaptations and prioritizations to manage staying at home; Barriers and facilitators to sustain occupational participation ; and Considerations of my own and other's health and wellbeing emerged from the data analysis. Conclusion: Everyday life changes had implications for health and well-being. The participants questioned previous conceptions of meaning in relation to habitual activities, likely leading to consistent occupational changes. However, these long-term effects remain to be explored, and considered to enable older adult's health during the pandemic and beyond.