Ageing and COVID-19

The Open Access version of this book, available at www.taylorfrancis.com, has been made available under a Creative Commons Attribution-Non Commercial-No Derivatives 4.0 license. This volume presents a range of research approaches to the exploration of ageing during a pandemic situation. One of the first collections of its kind, it offers an array of studies employing research methodologies that lend themselves to replication in similar contexts by those seeking to understand the effects of epidemics on older people. Thematically organised, it shows how to reconcile qualitative and quantitative approaches, thus rendering them complementary, bringing together studies from around the world to offer an international perspective on ageing as it relates to an unprecedented epidemiological phenomenon. As such, it will appeal to researchers in the field of gerontology, as well as sociologists of medicine and clinicians seeking to understand the disruptive effects of the recent coronavirus outbreak on later life.

Maria Luszczynska is Assistant Professor in the Faculty of Social Sciences at the Pontifical University of John Paul II in Krakow, Poland. She is the editor of Researching Ageing: Methodological Challenges and their Empirical Background. Marvin Formosa is Associate Professor in the Department of Gerontology and Dementia Studies, Faculty for Social Wellbeing, University of Malta, Malta. Recent publications include The University of the Third Age and Active Ageing and Population Ageing in the Middle-East and North Africa (with Abdulrazak Abyad).

Introduction: the challenges facing ageing during COVID-19 Part 1: COVID-19 as the unknown 1. The phenomenon of the COVID-19 pandemic against the background of its era 2. COVID-19 lockdown and social distance measures: a 'perfect storm' for social isolation and loneliness in later life 3. Death and dying vs. COVID-19: a hermeneutic approach toward understanding the social process Part 2: Social attitudes and strategies 4. Unmasking features of the state of the epidemic: what is the uniqueness of the position of older people in Poland? 5. Ageing and ageism in COVID-19 times 6. Age division and ageism in the public debates regarding COVID-19: intergenerational solidarity and antagonisms in the era of the coronavirus pandemic 7. Older adults' coping strategies in a pandemic situation: a Polish case study 8. Support for older adults during COVID-19: how did local authorities in the Pomeranian region respond to the challenge? Part 3: Social life 9. Geragogy of everyday life: the COVID-19 perspective 10. Online learning for older persons during the COVID-19 pandemic in Malta: the good, the bad, and the ugly 11. Grandparents raising grandchildren during coronavirus pandemic: a challenge or a threat? 12. "Keeping a project during the COVID-19 pandemic alive": experiences with co-researchers of the participatory STARK project 13. The experience of loneliness in older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic: a Polish perspective 14. Older adults' religiosity during the COVID-19 pandemic: Catholic Church in action Part 4: Social care and support 15. To care or not to care? What have we learned from COVID-19 about our attitudes towards older adults? 16. Institutional care for older people in Poland during pandemic: regulations, practice and thoughts about the future 17. Internet-telephone consultation service for older persons 18. Everyday reality at nursing home care facilities experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic 19. Feedback from French nursing staff in gerontology: health reorganisation acceptance related to COVID-19 crisis Conclusion: ageing, COVID-19 and 'new normality'