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BMC Geriatrics
Published in: BMC Geriatrics 1/2023

Open Access 01-12-2023 | COVID-19 | Research

Older adults’ experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic: a qualitative systematic literature review

Authors: Elfriede Derrer-Merk, Maria-Fernanda Reyes-Rodriguez, Laura K. Soulsby, Louise Roper, Kate M. Bennett

Published in: BMC Geriatrics | Issue 1/2023

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Abstract

Objectives

Relatively little is known about the lived experiences of older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic. We systematically review the international literature to understand the lived experiences of older adult’s experiences during the pandemic.

Design and methodology

This study uses a meta-ethnographical approach to investigate the included studies. The analyses were undertaken with constructivist grounded theory.

Results

Thirty-two studies met the inclusion criteria and only five papers were of low quality. Most, but not all studies, were from the global north. We identified three themes: desired and challenged wellbeing; coping and adaptation; and discrimination and intersectionality.
Overall, the studies’ findings were varied and reflected different times during the pandemic. Studies reported the impact of mass media messaging and its mostly negative impact on older adults. Many studies highlighted the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on participants' social connectivity and well-being including missing the proximity of loved ones and in consequence experienced an increase in anxiety, feeling of depression, or loneliness. However, many studies reported how participants adapted to the change of lifestyle including new ways of communication, and social distancing. Some studies focused on discrimination and the experiences of sexual and gender minority and ethnic minority participants. Studies found that the pandemic impacted the participants’ well-being including suicidal risk behaviour, friendship loss, and increased mental health issues.

Conclusion

The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted and impacted older adults’ well-being worldwide. Despite the cultural and socio-economic differences many commonalities were found. Studies described the impact of mass media reporting, social connectivity, impact of confinement on well-being, coping, and on discrimination. The authors suggest that these findings need to be acknowledged for future pandemic strategies. Additionally, policy-making processes need to include older adults to address their needs. PROSPERO record [CRD42022331714], (Derrer-Merk et al., Older adults’ lived experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic: a systematic review, 2022).
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Metadata
Title
Older adults’ experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic: a qualitative systematic literature review
Authors
Elfriede Derrer-Merk
Maria-Fernanda Reyes-Rodriguez
Laura K. Soulsby
Louise Roper
Kate M. Bennett
Publication date
01-12-2023
Publisher
BioMed Central
Keyword
COVID-19
Published in
BMC Geriatrics / Issue 1/2023
Electronic ISSN: 1471-2318
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12877-023-04282-6

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