Abstract
AbstractPhysical activity and social interaction among rural older adults are important, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic when restrictions on physical gatherings were placed. The purpose of this qualitative study was to gain a deeper understanding of rural older adults’ experience with physical activity and social interaction during the COVID-19 pandemic. An interpretative phenomenological approach was used to explore the experience of 10 older adults, 67–82 years of age, from rural communities throughout Saskatchewan. Findings revealed that many rural older adults acknowledged the health benefits of physical and social activities and experienced loneliness when COVID-19 restrictions were placed, even when living with a partner. For some, the restrictions placed on physical and social activity provided a welcome break from daily responsibilities. Rural communities, often at a disadvantage, were also perceived by participants as being protected against COVID-19. The resilience demonstrated among rural participants to persevere and adapt to their changing environment during the pandemic was evident in the findings.
Publisher
Cambridge University Press (CUP)
Subject
Geriatrics and Gerontology,Community and Home Care,Gerontology,Health (social science)
Reference53 articles.
1. The Descriptive Phenomenological Psychological Method
2. The Impact of Sheltering in Place During the COVID-19 Pandemic on Older Adults’ Social and Mental Well-Being
3. Saskatchewan Association of Rural Municipalities [SARM]. (2021). Definition of rural. Retrieved 14 August 2020 from https://sarm.ca.
4. Social Interaction and Physical Activity Among Rural Older Adults: A Scoping Review
5. Government of Canada. (2020). Community-based measures to mitigate the spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in Canada. Retrieved 30 July 2020 from https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/2019-novel-coronavirus-infection/health-professionals/public-health-measures-mitigate-covid-19.html.