Understanding the Impact of Social Distancing on Older Adults and Senior Organizations to Better Adapt Towards a New Normal

Authors

Salina Jivan, University of St. Augustine for Health SciencesFollow
Christine Mary Childers, University of St. Augustine for Health SciencesFollow
Susan MacDermott, University of St. Augustine for Health SciencesFollow
Becki Cohill, University of St. Augustine for Health SciencesFollow

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Description

COVID-19 brought about social distancing mandates that posed as a new barrier to meaningful social participation in the community. The purpose of this project was to understand the impact of social distancing on older adults and senior organizations to better inform the role of OT in helping seniors adapt to towards a new normal within the community. A qualitative study and needs assessment were performed through phone interviews with seniors and organizations that support them from around the United States. Themes highlighted seniors desire for social contact and cautious return to the community once mandates are lifted. Both seniors and organizations were accepting towards a new normal.

Publication Date

Summer 8-14-2020

Publisher

University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences

Medical Subject Headings

COVID-19, Aged, Social Distance, Social Participation, Occupational Therapy, Needs Assessment

Disciplines

Occupational Therapy | Social Psychology and Interaction

Comments

Poster presented at the Summer 2020 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium at the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences on August 14, 2020.

Recommended Citation

Jivan, S., Childers, C. M., MacDermott, S., & Cohill, B. (2020, August 14). Understanding the Impact of Social Distancing on Older Adults and Senior Organizations to Better Adapt Towards a New Normal. Poster presented at the Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium, University of St Augustine for Health Sciences. Retrieved from https://soar.usa.edu/otdcapstonessummer2020/4