“How are you doing?” on the healthy aging of the community-dwelling oldest-old in the shadow of the COVID-19 pandemic

Lo, Shirley K.L., Liu, Justina Y.W., Cheung, Daphne S.K., Yin, Yue Heng, Ng, Siu Ying, P.K. Kor, Patrick, Yang, Lin, Chan, Siu Kay, Kwan, Rick Y.C., Lee, Paul H. and Chiang, Vico C.L. (2022) “How are you doing?” on the healthy aging of the community-dwelling oldest-old in the shadow of the COVID-19 pandemic. Research on Aging, 45 (3-4), 280-290. (doi:10.1177/01640275221100949).

Abstract

Objective: globally, the oldest-old population is growing rapidly. Little is known about the perceived well-being of the community-dwelling oldest-old, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study examined the oldest-old’s perceptions of aging well and the COVID-related impacts on them. 

Methods: semi-structured in-depth interviews with 22 adults aged 85 or above were conducted with purposive sampling methods. Transcripts were analyzed using thematic analysis. 

Results: four main themes emerged: 1) sustaining functional ability; 2) staying active with a positive attitude; 3) feeling grateful for support from society and family; 4) COVID-19-related anxieties and policies destabilizing their well-being. 

Discussion: this study provides direct evidence from the oldest-old on how they maintained their well-being. While they valued support from society and family, COVID-19-related measures disturbed their routines and prevented them from self-attaining well-being. The findings should be considered when developing interventions for this vulnerable group.

This record has no associated files available for download.

Contributors

Author: Paul H. Lee

Download statistics