Resilience and Adaptability of Older Adults: Findings from the COVID-19 Impact Survey

The COVID-19 pandemic caused abrupt changes in daily routines, social connections, and ways of life. It is yet unknown the full impacts these extended changes have had on the long-term mental well-being of those who shared this global experience. As a contribution to our overall understanding of this phenomena, this study explored the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the mental well-being of older adults in the Southern United States. Secondary data analyses were performed using the COVID-19 Emotional Impact Survey, which included four open-ended questions allowing qualitative analyses for this study. Thematic analysis was conducted in three coding phases by five team members to ensure validity and rigor in consensus and determination of the themes. Respondents included 118 participants aged 55 years and older. The overarching theme which emerged in our analysis related to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on respondents’ mental well-being was adaptability, with sub-themes of awareness and socialization. Awareness was further associated with spirituality, mortality, and health; socialization was further associated with trust/distrust, anxiety, and fear. Older adults in this study exhibited resilience and demonstrated greater adaptability. Despite expressing increased awareness of vulnerability to the virus, they coped with this stress by placing greater value on relationships with friends and family. Attributes of resilience were frequently noted throughout the study, although we did not specifically assess resilience of older adults in this study. The degree of adaptability older adults applied in their responses to the COVID-19 pandemic suggest a resilience unique to their age and this study provides support for future research probing the concept of resilience in older adults.