OLDER ADULTS’ PERCEPTIONS ABOUT HOW TO FACE COVID-19

ABSTRACT

Objective

to understand older adults’ perceptions about how to face COVID-19.

Method

a qualitative research study of the participant-action type, with its theoretical basis grounded on Paulo Freire, adapted to the reality of the pandemic. The Research Itinerary stages were followed with an analogy to wine: Thematic Research for color; Coding-Decoding for sweetness and acidity; and Critical Unveiling for alcohol. A virtual Culture Circle was held in August 2020, including 23 older adults from a Cohabitation Center in southern Brazil.

Results

Generating Themes: 1) Bitter repercussions of COVID-19, especially fears, insecurity, anxiety, lack of interaction with people, and missing how daily life was before isolation; 2) Sweet repercussions of COVID-19, unveiling hope, faith, reinvention of life, lessons learned, feeling loved, cared for and supported, even if at a distance.

Conclusion

maintenance of the older adults’ physical and mental capacity in the face of social tragedies must be guided by guidelines on comprehensive care protocols to prevent diseases and promote health.

DESCRIPTORS
Older Adults’ Health; Infections by Coronavirus; Social Isolation; Adaptation; Psychological Resilience