The COVID-19 pandemic-related experiences of older adults and people with disabilities
The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in altered daily structures and routines for most people globally. The drastic changes to activity engagement and social interaction caused possible negative health consequences, regardless of infection, with already marginalised populations (e.g., older adults and individuals with disabilities) potentially being disproportionately impacted. This study, therefore, aimed to explore the experiences, daily changes, coping strategies, and wellbeing of individuals during the early stages of the pandemic, focusing on four populations: individuals with spinal cord injuries, individuals who had experienced a stroke, adults with other disabilities, and older adults (aged >65 years) without disabilities.
Participants completed four data collection sessions, consisting of self-report outcome measures and one-to-one interviews, during the first year of the pandemic. There were varying responses between groups and participants, but common themes that were identified included:
- Changes to daily routines, including accessibility and healthcare.
- The challenges with staying connected and the psychosocial implications.
- Anxiety about the future, relating to contracting the virus and broader societal impacts.
- Seeking a sense of autonomy and a “new normal” amidst the constrictions, with responses discussing confinement, adaptation, and acceptance.
- Using prior personal experiences to demonstrate resilience.
