Data_Sheet_1_“They're Going to Zoom It”: A Qualitative Investigation of Impacts and Coping Strategies During the COVID-19 Pandemic Among Older Adults.docx

Introduction: Older adults, who already have higher levels of social isolation, loneliness, and sedentary behavior, are particularly susceptible to negative impacts from social distancing mandates meant to control the spread of COVID-19. We sought to explore the physical, mental, and social health impacts of the pandemic on older adults and their coping techniques.
Materials and Methods: We conducted 25 semi-structured interviews with a sub-sample of participants in an ongoing sedentary behavior reduction intervention. Interviews were recorded and transcribed, and iterative coding was used to extract key themes.
Results: Most participants reported an increase in sedentary behavior due to limitations on leaving their home and increased free time to pursue seated hobbies (e.g., reading, knitting, tv). However, many participants also reported increased levels of intentional physical activity and exercise, particularly outdoors or online. Participants also reported high levels of stress and a large decrease in in-person social connection. Virtual connection with others through phone and video was commonly used to stay connected with friends and family, engage in community groups and activities, and cope with stress and social isolation. Maintenance of a positive attitude and perspective gained from past hardships was also an important coping strategy for many participants.
Discussion: The COVID-19 pandemic and associated social distancing measures have impacted older adults' perceived levels of activity, stress, and social isolation, but many leveraged technology and prior life experiences to cope. These themes could inform future interventions for older adults dealing with chronic stress and isolation.

引言：已存在较高社交隔离、孤独感及久坐行为（sedentary behavior）水平的老年人，尤其容易受到旨在管控新冠病毒（COVID-19）传播的社交距离管控措施所带来的负面影响。本研究旨在探究新冠疫情对老年人躯体、心理及社会健康的影响，以及他们的应对策略。

材料与方法：本研究针对一项正在进行的久坐行为减少干预项目的亚样本参与者开展了25场半结构化访谈。访谈内容均进行录音与转录，并通过迭代编码法提取核心主题。

研究结果：多数参与者表示，由于居家出行受限以及可支配空闲时间增多以从事久坐类休闲活动（如阅读、编织、看电视），其久坐行为有所增加。但同时，许多参与者也报告称其主动开展的身体活动与锻炼水平有所提升，尤其是在户外或通过线上方式进行。参与者还提到自身压力水平较高，且线下社交联系大幅减少。通过电话与视频通话实现的虚拟社交，是参与者与亲友保持联系、参与社区团体与活动，以及缓解压力与社交孤独的常用方式。此外，从过往逆境中习得的积极心态与视角，也是许多参与者重要的应对策略。

讨论：新冠疫情及相关社交距离管控措施，对老年人的自我感知活动水平、压力状态与社交隔离程度均产生了影响，但许多老年人借助技术手段与过往人生阅历进行应对。本研究提炼出的核心主题，可为未来针对面临慢性压力与社交隔离问题的老年人的干预项目提供参考。