The Value of Contemplative Practices: A Mixed Methods Approach Exploring Associations between Resilience and Experiences of the COVID-19 Pandemic among Older Adults

Grace Achepohl (), Catherine Heaney, Lisa G. Rosas, Jessie Moore, Tia Rich and Sandra J. Winter
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Grace Achepohl: Stanford Prevention Research Center, Stanford University, 3180 Porter Drive, Palo Alto, CA 94304, USA
Catherine Heaney: Stanford Prevention Research Center, Stanford University, 3180 Porter Drive, Palo Alto, CA 94304, USA
Lisa G. Rosas: Department of Epidemiology and Population Health, Stanford University, Alway Building, 300 Pasteur Drive, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
Jessie Moore: Stanford Prevention Research Center, Stanford University, 3180 Porter Drive, Palo Alto, CA 94304, USA
Tia Rich: Stanford Prevention Research Center, Stanford University, 3180 Porter Drive, Palo Alto, CA 94304, USA
Sandra J. Winter: Stanford Prevention Research Center, Stanford University, 3180 Porter Drive, Palo Alto, CA 94304, USA

IJERPH, 2022, vol. 19, issue 16, 1-13

Abstract: The aim of this study was to explore the association between resilience and experiences of the COVID-19 pandemic among older adults. We used a sequential explanatory mixed methods study design to recruit older adults who spoke English and were 60 and above during the pandemic. Survey data investigated older adults’ resilience, post-traumatic growth, well-being, and demographics. Extreme case purposeful sampling of their resilience score was used to select interviewees. Qualitative data sought to understand the relationship between resilience and how older adults responded to the COVID-19 pandemic. Exploring the relationship between resilience (well-being in the face of challenge) and one’s experience of the COVID-19 pandemic revealed that participants categorized as having high resilience had long held behaviors of contemplative practices that helped them effectively adapt to the COVID-19 pandemic. As we continue to face global challenges, we must redefine care, guide interventions, and promote healthy aging by incorporating contemplative practices into the lives of older adults.

Keywords: older adults; contemplative practices; resilience (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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