A study of 98 older adults living in a Florida continuing care retirement community during the COVID-19 pandemic not only showed how the group bounced back from adversity but how residents grew stronger from those challenging experiences.
Researchers from Florida Atlantic University’s Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing used the “post-traumatic growth theory” — a psychology concept describing the positive change that can occur as a result of highly challenging life circumstances — to examine the challenges and growth experienced by study participants. Their findings were published recently in the Journal of Gerontological Nursing.
“While trauma and adversity — like the pandemic — can lead to distress and difficulties, this concept suggests that some individuals experience significant personal growth following these experiences,” Lenny Chiang-Hanisko, PhD, senior author and an FAU associate professor, said in a statement.
With their normal routines disrupted, some of the study participants said they found new interests and hobbies, whereas others said they found new ways to stay active.
“Post-traumatic growth can lead to new possibilities, re-evaluation of life goals, and pursuit of new opportunities,” Chiang-Hanisko said. “It also can result in stronger connections and relationships, increased resilience and confidence, deeper spiritual beliefs aligned with life purpose, and a greater appreciation for life, with a shift in priorities toward living fully.”
The study revealed that residents deepened their relationships with family and friends through video calls, and they drew from life experiences to cope with the pandemic. Many participants also said they found comfort in online religious services and a slower pace of life, and daily gratitude exercises helped them focus on the positives and navigate the challenges.
“Living through these experiences helped our study participants use their inner strength and muster the ability to adapt and bounce back in the face of the health challenge of COVID,” Patricia Liehr, PhD, co-author and FAU nursing college dean, said in a statement. “Many of them indicated that with age comes the ability to see the bigger picture. Using this perspective helped them remind themselves that difficult times are usually temporary and that it is possible to find joy and meaning, even during hardship.”
Among the challenges participants said they faced during the pandemic were social isolation, pandemic restrictions and loneliness. Despite those challenges, 86% of the residents said that their medical conditions did not worsen and that they supported their community’s pandemic precautions.
But 51% reported psychosocial challenges, including anxiety (32%) and depression (31%).
Approximately 26% of respondents said they knew other residents who died from COVID-19, and they attributed those deaths to factors such as loss of the will to live (35%) and social isolation (30%).
“The COViD-19 pandemic has highlighted the need for flexible, safe and socially engaging living arrangements for older adults that contribute to ongoing personal growth,” Chiang-Hanisko said. The use of technology, she added, emphasizes the need for policy changes to ensure access to and training on user-friendly tools to enable residents to stay connected to loved ones.
