The meaning in life and smart technology of older adults during the Covid-19 pandemic: A cross-cultural qualitative study

Introduction: The exponential increase of the older segment of the population (1) is coinciding with the growing challenges of a digital society in different socio-cultural contexts (2). Objective(s): This exploratory study aims to analyze older adult perspectives of how smart technology influenced their meaning in life during the Covid-19 Public Health Emergency period, using qualitative research at a cross-national level. Method(s): Three hundred and fifty one community-dwelling older participants aged 65-87 years were included in the study. Participants were Italian, Mexican, Portuguese and Spanish. All the narratives went through a process of content analysis. Result(s): Findings of content analysis produced six themes: Meaningful relations, rewarding activities, spirituality, health and safetyrelated support, self-growth, and physical activity. Smart technology was important in promoting significant relations for Mexican older adults (71.3%), rewarding activities for Portuguese older adults (57.1%), spirituality for Spanish older participants (71.6%), and physical activity for Italian older adults (29.5%). Conclusion(s): This study indicated that smart technology during the Health Emergency period was important for the meaning in life of older populations, mostly by facilitating meaningful relations, rewarding activities and spirituality. Future interventions with older adults during pandemic periods should consider the diversity of themes associated with increasing older adult well-being, from a cross-cultural perspective. 1. von Humboldt S & Leal I. The old and the oldest old: Do they have different perspectives on adjustment to aging?. Int J Gerontol;9:156-160. 2. von Humboldt S et al. Does spirituality really matter? - Astudy on the potential of spirituality to older adult's adjustment to aging. Jpn Psychol Res, 56;114-125.

Negative emotions associated with self-growth among older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic

Introduction: The Covid-19 pandemic appeared globally (1), thus affecting the self-growth of the older population (2). Objective(s): The aim of this study is to identify and analyze the negative emotions felt during the pandemic, as well as their impact on self-growth of 226 older individuals of four nationalities: Mexican, Italian, Portuguese and Spanish. Method(s): Thus, a transnational qualitative survey was carried out. A content analysis was performed. Result(s): Seven negative emotions were reported, namely: fear, sadness, anger, grief, annoyance, loneliness and shame. These emotions were considerably associated with the following themes: (1) Sharing experiences;(2) Availability of the partner;(3) Spirituality and religion;(4) Be active;(5) Interest in new projects;(6) Civic participation;(7) Sexual activity. Older participants with Mexican and Italian nationality reported that sharing experiences as the most relevant topic, while for the Portuguese and Spanish participants, having a partner available was more important. Conclusion(s): This study demonstrated that negative emotions cooperated with the self-growth of older individuals during the Covid-19 pandemic. The heterogeneity of experiences lived by each culture was highlighted, underlining the positive side of negative emotions and their strong connection with the self-growth of the older people. 1.von Humboldt S et al. Smart technology and the meaning in life of older adults during the Covid-19 public health emergency period: A cross-cultural qualitative study. Int Rev Psychiatry, 2020;1-10. 2. von Humboldt S et al. Does spirituality really matter? - A study on the potential of spirituality to older adult's adjustment to aging. Jpn Psychol Res, 56;114-125.

Negative Emotions Associated With Self- Growth Among Older Adults During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Methods: Thus, a transnational qualitative survey was carried out. A content analysis was carried out. Results: Seven negative emotions were reported, namely: fear, sadness, anger, grief, annoyance, loneliness and shame. These emotions were considerably associated with the following themes: (a) Sharing experiences;(b) Availability of the partner;(c) Spirituality and religion;(d) Be active;(e) Interest in new projects;(f) Civic participation;(g) Sexual activity. Older participants with Mexican and Italian nationality reported that sharing experiences as the most relevant topic, while for the Portuguese and Spanish participants, having a partner available was more important. Background: The Covid-19 pandemic appeared globally (1), thus affecting the self-growth of the older population (2). The aim of this study is to identify and analyze the negative emotions felt during the pandemic, as well as their impact on self-growth of 226 older individuals of four nationalities: Mexican, Italian, Portuguese and Spanish. Conclusion: This study demonstrated that negative emotions cooperated with the self-growth of older individuals during the Covid-19 pandemic. The heterogeneity of experiences lived by each culture was highlighted, underlining the positive side of negative emotions and their strong connection with the self-growth of the older people. 1.von Humboldt S et al. Smart technology and the meaning in life of older adults during the Covid-19 public health emergency period: A cross-cultural qualitative study. Int Rev Psychiatry, 2020;1-10. 2. von Humboldt S et al. Does spirituality really matter? - A study on the potential of spirituality to older adult's adjustment to aging.

Smart Technology and the Meaning of Life During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Cross- National Study

Methods: Three hundred and fifty-one communitydwelling older participants aged 65-87 years were included in the study. Participants were Italian, Mexican, Portuguese and Spanish. All the narratives went through a process of content analysis. Results: Findings of content analysis produced six themes: Meaningful relations, rewarding activities, spirituality, health and safety-related support, self-growth, and physical activity. Smart technology was important in promoting significant relations for Mexican older adults (71.3%), rewarding activities for Portuguese older adults (57.1%), spirituality for Spanish older participants (71.6%), and physical activity for Italian older adults (29.5%). Background: The exponential increase of the older segment of the population (1) is coinciding with the growing challenges of a digital society in different socio-cultural contexts (2). This exploratory study aims to analyze older adult perspectives of how smart technology influenced their meaning in life during the Covid-19 Public Health Emergency period, using qualitative research at a cross-national level. Conclusion: This study indicated that smart technology during the Health Emergency period was important for the meaning in life of older populations, mostly by facilitating meaningful relations, rewarding activities and spirituality. Future interventions with older adults during pandemic periods should consider the diversity of themes associated with increasing older adult well-being, from a crosscultural perspective. 1.von Humboldt S et al. Smart technology and the meaning in life of older adults during the Covid-19 public health emergency period: A crosscultural qualitative study.