Ageing in Times of the COVID-19 Pandemic

During the first year of the Covid-19 pandemic, this Open Access Book reports on the situation of people in the second half of life based on the German Ageing Survey (DEAS). It provides insights into four main areas: income and work, subjective health and well-being, social support and loneliness, and societal participation, highlighting the resilience and adaptive capacities of many people while also identifying risk groups that have been hard hit.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 253 pages
Publication date: 11 May 2023
Publisher: Springer Fachmedien Wiesbaden

This Open Access Book presents comprehensive reports on the experiences of individuals in the second half of life during the initial year of the COVID-19 pandemic. Drawing upon data from the German Ageing Survey (DEAS), the analyses offer valuable insights into four key domains of life: income and work, subjective health and well-being, social support and loneliness, and societal participation. By shedding light on the challenges faced by vulnerable groups and showcasing the remarkable resilience and adaptability of many individuals in this age range, this book serves as a valuable resource for scholars and policymakers alike.

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on the lives of individuals in the second half of life. The pandemic has led to job losses, financial insecurity, and social isolation for many older adults, who are already at higher risk of health complications and social isolation.

The Open Access Book provides valuable insights into the experiences of individuals in the second half of life during the pandemic. The analyses are based on data from the German Ageing Survey (DEAS), which is a comprehensive survey that provides information on the health, social, and economic well-being of older adults in Germany.

The book highlights four main areas of life that have been particularly affected by the pandemic: income and work, subjective health and well-being, social support and loneliness, and societal participation.

Income and work: The pandemic has led to significant job losses for older adults, particularly those in industries that have been hard hit by the economic downturn. Many older adults are also facing reduced work hours and lower wages, which can have a significant impact on their financial security and well-being.

Subjective health and well-being: Older adults are at higher risk of health complications from COVID-19, including severe illness and death. The pandemic has also led to increased stress and anxiety among older adults, as they are concerned about their own health and the health of their loved ones.

Social support and loneliness: Older adults are more likely to live alone and rely on social support to meet their needs. The pandemic has led to reduced social contact and increased loneliness among older adults, which can have a negative impact on their mental health and overall well-being.

Societal participation: Older adults are often active participants in their communities and societies. The pandemic has limited their ability to participate in social activities, such as volunteering, attending events, and socializing with friends and family.

The book also highlights the resilience and adaptive capacities of many individuals in the second half of life during the pandemic. Many older adults have found new ways to stay connected with their loved ones, such as using technology to video chat and phone calls. They have also been actively seeking out resources and support to help them cope with the challenges of the pandemic, such as online counseling and support groups.

In conclusion, the COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the lives of individuals in the second half of life. This Open Access Book provides valuable insights into the experiences of individuals in this age range during the pandemic. By shedding light on the challenges faced by vulnerable groups and showcasing the remarkable resilience and adaptive capacities of many individuals, the book serves as a valuable resource for scholars and policymakers alike. It is important to continue to prioritize the health and well-being of older adults during the ongoing pandemic and beyond.

Weight: 351g
Dimension: 210 x 148 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783658404864
Edition number: 1st ed. 2023