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

Figures & data

Table 1. Characteristics of participants.

Variables	n (%)
Gender
Male	5 (50%)
Female	5 (50%)
Have a chronic health condition	9 (90%)
English spoken at home	10 (100%)
Education level
Year 11/12 or equivalent	1 (10%)
Trade qualification	1 (10%)
Non-trade qualification/diploma	1 (10%)
Tertiary (undergraduate and/or postgraduate studies)	7 (70%)
Financial situation – able to make ends meet
Always	7 (70%)
Most of the time	3 (30%)
Marital status
Married	8 (80%)
Widowed	2 (20%)
Living arrangements
Living with spouse/partner	8 (80%)
Living alone	2 (20%)
Care arrangement
Have a carer (either their spouse or a professional carer)	2 (20%)
Provide care to spouse/partner	3 (30%)
Employment status
Retired/not looking for work	8 (80%)
Self-employed/contract-based work/freelance	2 (20%)
Have private health insurance
Yes	7 (70%)
No	3 (30%)
Ever accessed mental health or social care services	7 (70%)
Accessed mental health or social care services in past 2 years	4 (40%)

Figure 1. The diagram shows how the three key themes are interrelated. Arrows represent respondents’ agency and actions taken towards improving their social and emotional wellbeing.

Data availability statement

The data that support the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author, Dr Natalie Strobel, upon reasonable request.