A Social Ecological Model of Vulnerability and Resilience in Older Adults During the Covid-19 Pandemic. (17th December 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Aldwin, Carolyn; Igarashi, Heidi; Kurth, Maria; Lee, Hye Soo; Choun, Soyoung; Lee, Dylan
• Is Part Of: Innovation in aging. Volume 5(2021)Supplement 1
• Page Start: 130
• Page End: 131
• Publication Date: 2021-12-17
• Subjects: Aging -- Periodicals; Gerontology -- Periodicals; 612.67
• DOI: 10.1093/geroni/igab046.505
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2399-5300

Abstract

Abstract: Objectives: We used a social ecological model to examine vulnerability and resilience among older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: We analyzed two open-ended questions included in a survey of 235 respondents, 51–95 years old (M = 71.35; SD = 7.39; 74% female), which asked about COVID-19-related difficulties and positive experiences during the past week. We identified three different levels for difficulties and positives at the personal, interpersonal, and/or societal levels. Results: Fewer than half of the respondents reported on difficulties (41%) and positives (40%) just at the personal level. In terms of crossing levels, people were most likely to report events spanning the personal and interpersonal levels (14% and 18%, respectively). A few individuals reported difficulties and positives at the societal level. Discussion: Older individuals were acutely aware of challenges and positives existing at all three levels, and contributed to resources at the interpersonal and community levels.