Guzman, Viveka, Doyle, Frank, Foley, Ronan, Craven, Peter, Crowe, Noelene, Wilson, Penny, Smith, Ailbhe, Hegarty, Gerry and Pertl, Maria M. (2023) Socio-ecological determinants of older people’s mental health and well-being during COVID-19: A qualitative analysis within the Irish context. Frontiers in Public Health, 11. ISSN 2296-2565
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Abstract
Background:  Evidence  indicates  that  older  people  with  biological  and  social  vulnerabilities are at high risk of short- and long-term consequences related to the  COVID-19  pandemic.  However,  studies  have  also  highlighted  that  the  crisis  may  present  opportunities  for  personal  growth  if  older  individuals  are  met  with  appropriate resources and support. Objective: The aim of this study was to explore the perceptions of older people regarding  how  individual,  social,  and  environmental  factors  have  supported  or  hindered their well-being and health during COVID-19.Methods:   We   analyzed   data   collected   between   April–May   and   October–November   2021   from   the   Well-being,   Interventions   and   Support   during   Epidemics (WISE) study, a qualitative investigation of community-dwellers based in  Ireland  and  aged  65  years  or  over.  Participants  (n  = 57)  completed  written  submissions,  narrative  interviews  and/or  go-along  interviews  detailing  their  experiences during the pandemic. Framework analysis was carried out in NVivo 12  to  identify  determinants,  linkages,  and  explanations  within  Bronfenbrenner’s  socio-ecological model. Results: The mean age of participants was 74.9 years, 53% were female, 45% lived alone,  and  86%  lived  in  areas  with  high  urban  influence.  Our  findings  highlight  the  heterogeneous  effect  of  COVID-19  across  diverse  older  individuals  who  held  distinct  concerns,  capabilities,  and  roles  in  society  before  and  during  the  pandemic.  Multi-scalar  contextual  characteristics  such  as  individual’s  living  arrangements,  neighborhood  social  and  built  environments,  as  well  as  social  expectations about aging and help seeking, had an influential role in participants’ well-being  and  available  supports.  We  identified  mixed  views  regarding  public  health restrictions, but a consensus emerged questioning the suitability of one-size-fits-all approaches based on chronological age. Conclusions:  Our  results  suggest  that  some  negative  pandemic  consequences  could  have  been  avoided  by  increasing  collaboration  with  older  people  and  with the provision of clearer communications. The interdependencies identified between  individual  characteristics  and  socio-ecological  factors  that  influenced  participants’  availability  of  supports  and  development  of  adaptive  strategies  represent areas of opportunity for the development of age-friendly interventions during and beyond public health crises.
  
  | Item Type: | Article | 
|---|---|
| Keywords: | aging population; COVID-19 pandemic; socio-ecological determinants; mental health; well-being; qualitative research; | 
| Academic Unit: | Assisting Living & Learning,ALL institute Faculty of Social Sciences > Geography | 
| Item ID: | 18976 | 
| Identification Number: | 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1148758 | 
| Depositing User: | Dr. Ronan Foley | 
| Date Deposited: | 03 Oct 2024 13:50 | 
| Journal or Publication Title: | Frontiers in Public Health | 
| Publisher: | Frontiers Media S.A | 
| Refereed: | Yes | 
| Related URLs: | |
| Use Licence: | This item is available under a Creative Commons Attribution Non Commercial Share Alike Licence (CC BY-NC-SA). Details of this licence are available here | 
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