Effects of social isolation and restrictions on older people during the COVID-19 pandemic

Dunford, Sandra and Brooke, Joanne (2022) Effects of social isolation and restrictions on older people during the COVID-19 pandemic. Nursing Older People. ISSN 1472-0795

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Abstract

Research aims: An exploration of the lived experience of cocooning and social distancing practices of older people in the Republic of Ireland during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods: Using a convenience sample of four participants from the Republic of Ireland, semi-structured interviews were audio-recorded over six sessions, two weeks apart, between the 6th of April 2020 and the 7th of July 2020. Transcripts were analysed using content analysis of longitudinal data for the recognition of themes.

Findings: Three themes were identified, including impact on health and mental wellbeing, commitment to restrictions, and concern for the nonadherence of others.

Conclusion: Participants committed fully to cocooning and other government restrictions, sometimes to the detriment of health. Healthcare professionals will need to be mindful of possible post-pandemic deconditioning resulting from adherence to government restrictions, including lingering anxieties regarding returning to normality after prolonged isolation.

Item Type:	Article
Additional Information:	This is the accepted version and not the version of record.
Identification Number:	10.7748/nop.2022.e1400
Dates:	Date Event 23 March 2022 Accepted 18 May 2022 Published Online
Subjects:	CAH02 - subjects allied to medicine > CAH02-04 - nursing and midwifery > CAH02-04-01 - nursing (non-specific)
Divisions:	Faculty of Health, Education and Life Sciences > Centre for Social Care, Health and Related Research (C-SHARR)
Depositing User:	Joanne Brooke
Date Deposited:	20 Apr 2022 12:20
Last Modified:	28 Apr 2023 09:44
URI:	https://www.open-access.bcu.ac.uk/id/eprint/13150

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