Alterações no cotidiano de idosos relacionadas ao período de distanciamento social durante a pandemia de COVID-19

Abstract

During senescence, changes compromise the motor function and make it difficult for the elderly to perform daily tasks, thus, for them to be able to competently perform their usual tasks, it’s necessary to adapt to the aging body to maintain its independence and functionality. Changes aimed at meeting the elderly’s new condition characterize motor development in senescence and are influenced by not only hereditary factors but also external factors. In the current social context, the pandemic of the new coronavirus that causes COVID-19 brought as one of its consequences social distancing, a public health measure to reduce community transmission of the disease. However, this new behavior brought some consequences that may be more striking for the elderly, since the recommendations for complying with social distancing are stricter due to the greater vulnerability of this population. This study’s general goal was to investigate the changes in the elderly’s daily life related to social distancing. The sample consisted of 19 elderly people of both sexes (68,68 ± 5,26 years), who had access to the WhatsApp communication app. A semi-structured interview by video call was carried out using an interview script with previously elaborated questions. Data were analyzed using Bardin's (1977) content analysis. The results showed changes in the length of stay at home, social contact, weight, and symptoms of anxiety and depression. The findings of this study show the importance of investigating how changes in the social context can interfere with the development of a specific population.