Older Adults' Perceptions of the Impact COVID-19 Pandemic

The pandemic COVID-19 imposed the mobilisation of institutions providing care and supporting services for older adults, and the adoption of new habits on a large scale and in a very short period of time. The need to change daily routines proved to be particularly impactful among older adults, since these citizens, due to their vulnerability to adverse health outcomes and the need for additional protection against the exposure to the risk of viral infection, were subjected to more demanding and inflexible containment measures (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, 2020). The confinement measures resulted in considerable restriction of independence and access to supportive social networks, making it necessary to use compensatory solutions, such as the use of digital technologies and the resolution of emerging problems remotely. However, given that, as suggested by recent statistical data (European Commission, 2020; European Union, 2020), a large proportion of older adults do not have access to suitable equipment or lack adequate digital skills, the effective and satisfactory mobilisation of these compensatory solutions depended, in many cases, on the involvement of others. As a result, older adults saw their personal autonomy compromised and their relationships with other people highly limited. The confinement measures also resulted in the abandonment of at least some healthy living habits (moments of conviviality, cognitive stimulation activities, physical exercise and recreational activities carried out in groups, etc.), which are essential for the maintenance of physical and cognitive capacities, contributing to the increase of well-being and quality of life.

Taking into account the duration of the COVID-19 pandemic, it is necessary to understand its impact on the cognitive, emotional, and social status of older adults. Our proposal focuses on older adults who benefit from care and support services (e.g., long-term care centres, day and social centres, home support services), in which the pandemic mitigation measures were particularly rigorous, being supported by contingency plans constantly updated according to the guidelines issued by the Portuguese Directorate-General of Health and supervisory entities.

Inclusion criteria

• Aged 65 or over.
• Native Portuguese speakers.
• Have handed in the project informed consent, duly completed and signed, after prior information.
• Communication and comprehension skills.
• Have been attending a care and support services for the older adults for at least two years.

Exclusion criteria

• Severe sensory and physical limitations or an acute or serious illness preventing participation in the study.
• Evidence of aggressive and disruptive behaviour, as indicated by the reference technicians of the institution where the participant attends a care and support services.
• Consumption of psychoactive substances and/or taking neuroleptics or antipsychotics in the last two months.
• Presence of a score lower than 10 points in the Mini Mental State Examination.