The Temporary Impact of the Pandemic on Older Adults’ Psychological Well-Being
Author Information
Author(s): Zaninotto Paola, Iob Eleonora, Scholes Shaun, Steptoe Andrew
Primary Institution: University College London
Hypothesis
The study aims to explore changes in happiness, life satisfaction, and life worth among older adults during and after the pandemic.
Conclusion
The deterioration in psychological well-being during the pandemic was temporary, with levels returning to or exceeding pre-pandemic levels afterward.
Supporting Evidence
- Psychological well-being decreased during the pandemic.
- Post-pandemic well-being levels returned to or exceeded pre-pandemic levels.
- Women experienced greater deterioration in well-being during the pandemic.
- More affluent groups showed larger decreases in well-being.
Takeaway
Older adults felt less happy during the pandemic, but they bounced back to feeling just as good or even better afterward.
Methodology
The study followed 3,999 people aged 50 and over in England from 2018 to 2022, assessing their psychological well-being across different pandemic phases.
Potential Biases
Potential biases related to self-reported measures of well-being.
Limitations
The study may not account for all factors influencing psychological well-being during the pandemic.
Participant Demographics
Participants were aged 50 and over, with variations in gender and wealth.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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