Older Adults Experiencing Social Isolation and Loneliness During Covid-19: Resilience Through Leisure

Abstract

The purpose of this dissertation was to understand the role of leisure as a resilience strategy to combat social isolation and loneliness among older adult women who lived alone in Kitchener-Waterloo during the COVID-19 pandemic. This research was guided by the following research questions: (1) how did public health restrictions affect older adults during the pandemic; (2) what does resilience mean to older adults and what resilience strategies did they use to stay socially connected during the pandemic; and (3) what role, if any, did leisure play as a resilience strategy in addressing the threats of social isolation and loneliness during COVID-19? The research approach that was taken was a narrative inquiry using semi-structured, one-on-one interviews held over the phone to collect data from participants. Many participants experienced heightened feelings of social isolation and loneliness due to physical distancing measures and government mandates (i.e., stay-at-home orders) (Lee et al., 2020). Older adults, particularly those living alone, were at higher risk of experiencing social isolation and loneliness due to restrictions on gatherings, physical distancing measures, and concerns about their health and safety (CDC, 2020). The closure of community centres and other social venues further limited opportunities for participants to engage in activities and connect with others. Many relied on regular social interactions for companionship, emotional support, and a sense of belonging, all of which were disrupted by the pandemic. This research shows that extraverts and introverts had contrasting experiences during the pandemic due to their differing social needs and preferences. While both extraverts and introverts faced challenges during the pandemic, their experiences were shaped by their distinct social preferences and coping mechanisms. Extraverts struggled with reduced social interaction, while introverts navigated a balance between solitude and the need for connection. Similarly, both unvaccinated and vaccinated individuals navigated unique challenges and considerations throughout the pandemic based on their vaccination status and individual circumstances. Unvaccinated participants expressed experiencing more judgement, shunning, and ostracism than vaccinated participants. Every participant, regardless of extraversion, introversion, or vaccination status, demonstrated resilience. Using technology to stay connected during a time where face-to-face interactions were near impossible, older adult women exercised their resilience to make it through the pandemic. Older adult women demonstrated remarkable resilience during the pandemic by employing various leisure strategies to mitigate social isolation and loneliness. Through findings, 5 dimensions of resilience arose encompassing what resilience meant to participants. The dimensions included acceptance, perseverance, adapation, perspective and, and positivity. Further, three major themes of how leisure was exercised to stay resilient arose, which included using leisure to stay connected, to stay distracted, and to stay active. By engaging in leisure, older adult women not only exercised their resilience and coped with social isolation and loneliness but also demonstrated resilience.