Month/Year of Graduation

5-2021

Degree Name

Bachelor of Science (B.S.)

Department

Biology

First Advisor

Dr. Timi Barone

Abstract

This study explores the impact of social distancing precautions in response to the rapidly evolving COVID-19 pandemic by resident seniors in an assisted living facility. Previous studies describe how social distancing regulations can amplify feelings of loneliness in all age groups. However, pandemic-related lockdowns and social distancing measures disproportionately affect vulnerable older populations. Resident seniors in an assisted living facility in Omaha, NE participated in a semi-structured interview focused on the perceived impact of COVID-19 safety precautions. Participants reported a temporal dimension of impact, specifically, an increased level of loneliness in the evening, but also discussed the importance of encouragement from a variety of sources, and various coping mechanisms. I discuss how the results create a clearer picture of the experience of seniors in a group living environment during the pandemic and identify key areas of improvement to alleviate the feelings of loneliness which may limit the long-term effect of social distancing on mental health.

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