Abstract
Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, older adults are considered a high-risk group and have been advised to stay home or practice social distancing. This qualitative study examined the effects of strong quarantine measures and social distancing on older adults’ lifestyles. The participants in this study were 13 people aged 65 and older with chronic diseases who resided in South Korean communities. Qualitative content analysis was conducted to interpret the data collected from in-depth interviews. Four themes and 13 subthemes were identified. The four themes were “lifestyle changes,” “increased cautiousness in daily life,” “psychological changes,” and “adaptation to life during the COVID-19 pandemic.” The participants followed quarantine rules strictly and noted lifestyle changes, such as increased time spent at home due to social distancing guidelines, a smaller radius of daily activity, and changes in exercise and dietary habits. They also reported increased caution toward other people and objects that other people interacted with due to their fear of COVID-19 infection. They expressed fear about COVID-19 infection and anxiety about COVID-19-related news, and they often felt bored and depressed; however, the participants accepted, endured, and gradually adapted to these lifestyle changes. Non-face-to-face community support is urgently needed for older adults facing reduced levels of physical activity and psychological hardships due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Highlights
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic poses a major threat to the health of older adults [1]
This study aimed to explore the impacts of quarantine and social distancing measures on the lifestyle of older adults with chronic diseases living in communities in South Korea
This study provides a comprehensive and in-depth understanding of the changes in the lives of community-dwelling older adults with chronic diseases at the 1-year point since the initial outbreak of COVID-19 in South Korea
Summary
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic poses a major threat to the health of older adults [1]. Governments around the world have advised older adults to stay at home or maintain social distance from their neighbors to protect them from COVID-19 infection [2,3,5]. Such social distancing measures themselves constitute another threat to the health of older adults [2,6]. Reduced physical activities from limited mobility may lead to physical weakness [6], and the fear, stress, and loneliness resulting from social isolation may negatively affect the overall health of older adults [9]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
