Perceptions, feelings, and the routine of older adults during the isolation period caused by the COVID-19 pandemic: a qualitative study in four countries

Abstract

Objective

To evaluate the knowledge, routine, and perception of older adults from four countries about dealing with COVID-19 in the social isolation period.

Methods

Qualitative study with semistructured interviews. Older persons (≥60 years old), who lived in the urban centers of four different countries (Brazil, United States, Italy, and Portugal), were asked about the changes experienced during the pandemic, new habits or restrictions during isolation, sources of social and emotional support, and their knowledge about COVID-19 pandemic. Data was transcribed, codified, and submitted to content analysis.

Results

Twenty-five older persons (10 from Brazil, 5 from Italy, 5 from Portugal, and 5 from the United States) were interviewed. Participants reported feeling restricted in their daily life activities and emotional instability. Described adaptations in habits, coping strategies, and greater understanding of the diseased based on information available in the media. There was homogeneity in the statements of the elderly, showing that the pandemic affected them in a similar way, even though they lived in different cultures and contexts.

Conclusion

The social isolation caused by the COVID-19 pandemic changed the structure for the performance of many occupations, having an impact in the perception social participation and wellbeing of elders. This data can aid health professionals to outline strategies to deal with the impact of the social isolation in older persons.

Keywords:

• Older adults
• coronavirus (2019-nCoV)
• perceived social isolation

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Ethical approval

Participants were asked to give their informed consent for research purposes. Participant data were anonymized before they were shared with the research team. The study was approved by the It Human Research Ethics Committee of the Federal University of Triângulo Mineiro (UFTM), number CAAE: 31088620.1.0000.5154.

Additional information

Funding

This research did not receive any specific grant from funding agencies in the public, commercial, or not-for-profit sectors.