Abstract
Objective: To investigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the quality of life and social networks of older adults receiving community care services. Methods: Quality of life and social network questionnaires were completed by older adults (n = 21) receiving home care services at three time points (2018, 2019, and during the first Australian COVID-19 lockdown in 2020). Additional questions about technology use were included in 2020. Results: Older adults’ quality of life significantly decreased during the pandemic compared to the prior year. During the pandemic, over 80% used technology to maintain contact with family and friends, and social networks did not change. Conclusion: Government messages and support initiatives directed towards technology adoption among older adults receiving home care may assist with maintaining social connection during COVID-19. Our findings add to the relatively limited understanding of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the socio-emotional well-being of older people.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 84-89 |
| Number of pages | 6 |
| Journal | Australasian Journal on Ageing |
| Volume | 40 |
| Issue number | 1 |
| Early online date | 8 Mar 2021 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - Mar 2021 |
Keywords
- covid‐19
- lifestyle restrictions
- lockdown
- older adults
- wellbeing
- covid-19