Feelings and Coping Strategies of Elderly People in the Covid-19 Pandemic in Brazil

Abstract

This current research aims to qualitatively investigate the feelings and coping strategies of elderly people facing the Covid-19 pandemic, especially regarding the impacts caused by home isolation in the first year of the pandemic. Twenty internet users of age sixty or above took part in the study. Semi-structured interviews were conducted through online platforms, and the data was analyzed using Braun and Clarke's thematic analysis. The results are presented in two thematic axes: Feelings and Coping Strategies, the latter understood according to the model proposed by Folkman and Lazarus. Feelings such as fear, insecurity and sadness were predominant. Coping strategies focused on emotions were frequent, with emphasis on religious and spiritual practices, pleasant activities, and the use of technology. For the most part, adaptive coping strategies were adopted and, although less frequent, positive feelings after using coping strategies were reported. It is concluded that the participants demonstrated that they had resources and skills to cope with the crisis scenario. This study contributes to the understanding of emotional experiences and coping strategies adopted by older adults, and is relevant for planning interventions to minimize psychological impacts in crisis scenarios.