Conversations in Times of Isolation: Exploring Rural-Dwelling Older Adults’ Experiences of Isolation and Loneliness during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Manitoba, Canada

Rachel V. Herron, Nancy E. G. Newall, Breanna C. Lawrence, Doug Ramsey, Candice M. Waddell and Jennifer Dauphinais
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Rachel V. Herron: Department of Geography and Environment, Brandon University, Brandon, MB R7A 6A9, Canada
Nancy E. G. Newall: Department of Psychology, Brandon University, Brandon, MB R7A 6A9, Canada
Breanna C. Lawrence: Educational Psychology, Brandon University, Brandon, MB R7A 6A9, Canada
Doug Ramsey: Department of Rural Development, Brandon University, Brandon, MB R7A 6A9, Canada
Candice M. Waddell: Department of Psychiatric Nursing, Brandon University, Brandon, MB R7A 6A9, Canada
Jennifer Dauphinais: Centre for Critical Studies of Rural Mental Health, Brandon, MB R7A 6A9, Canada

IJERPH, 2021, vol. 18, issue 6, 1-14

Abstract: Older adults have been described as a vulnerable group in the current context of the COVID-19 pandemic. In Canada, where this study took place, older adults have been encouraged to self-isolate while the rest of the population has been cautioned against in-person contact with them. Prior to COVID-19, social isolation and loneliness among older adults was considered a serious public health concern. Using a series of semi-structured interviews with 26 community-dwelling older adults (65+) living in rural Manitoba, we explore older adults’ experiences of isolation and loneliness in the initial stages of the pandemic between the months of May and July 2020. Participants identified a loss of autonomy, loss of activities and social spaces (e.g., having coffee or eating out, volunteering, and going to church), and lack of meaningful connection at home as factors influencing their sense of isolation and loneliness. Although these loses initially influenced participants’ self-reported isolation and loneliness, the majority developed strategies to mitigate isolation and loneliness, such as drawing on past experiences of isolation, engaging in physically distanced visits, connecting remotely, and “keeping busy.” Our findings call attention to the role of different environments and resources in supporting older adults social and emotional wellbeing, particularly as they adapt to changes in social contact over time.

Keywords: isolation; loneliness; aging; rural; pandemic; COVID-19; Canada (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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