As we have reported previously, researchers working with the Hertfordshire Cohort Study (HCS) have been exploring the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on participants. This work aimed to explore how the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic and associated government measures impacted on older people’s lives and what the implications might be for their physical and mental health and wellbeing. We wanted to undertake this work as most available studies on the effects of the pandemic on older adults focus on slightly younger ages, while the participants in this study were all over the age of 80 years.
We made a number of interesting observations – the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic certainly affected the lives of our study participants. Some of the findings of this work have recently been presented at the Society for Social Medicine & Population Health Annual Scientific Meeting 2021 and the Nutrition Society 2021 Summer Conference, generating considerable interest. Qualitative findings highlighted considerable challenges associated with accessing shops, healthcare, and limitations on usual activities due to restrictions. Although findings highlighted the resilient nature of older adults in terms of their coping and adaptability during COVID-19, they also emphasized the issue of loneliness and isolation for some of the participants, as well as fear of the virus and effects on mental health (e.g. worry, anxiety). Findings highlighted the need to consider this group when developing public health interventions to support health and wellbeing, including strategies for improved and safe social contacts and physical activity.
Further qualitative analysis will aim to explore how older people’s experiences and behaviours might have changed over the duration of the pandemic.
