Social Relationships of Older Adults During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Author Information
Author(s): Kilaberia Tina, Hu Yuanyuan, Bell Janice
Primary Institution: New York University
Hypothesis
The study examines how the COVID-19 pandemic affected the social relationships of older adults in caregiving dyads compared to those not in dyads.
Conclusion
Older adults in caregiving dyads reported greater social engagement with non-family individuals compared to those not in dyads, but both groups had similar social connections with family.
Supporting Evidence
- Those in dyads reported greater social engagement with non-family individuals than those not in dyads.
- Older adults in both groups had greater social connections with family than non-family members.
- Qualitative themes included seeking, losing, and keeping ties during the pandemic.
- All in dyads referred to family members as key persons during the pandemic.
- Five in dyads reported social isolation from family members specifically.
- Six older adults in dyads described non-family contacts as key.
Takeaway
This study looked at how older people stayed connected during the pandemic, finding that those who had someone to care for had more friends to talk to than those who didn't.
Methodology
The study used semi-structured qualitative interviews and the Lubben Social Network Scale (LSNS-6) to assess social connections.
Limitations
The sample size was small and may not represent all older adults.
Participant Demographics
Mean age of participants was 79, with 12 White, 5 Black, and 1 More Than One Race.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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