RESILIENCE AMONG RESIDENTS, THEIR FAMILY, AND STAFF OF A CONTINUING CARE RETIREMENT COMMUNITY

There is emerging literature about older adults' experience of loneliness during the COVID-19 pandemic in long term care (LTC) facilities due to isolation protocols. Additionally, staff challenges while providing care for older adults in LTC has also been highlighted. While the literature emphasizes negative pandemic experiences, a gap exists with understanding resilience during the pandemic in LTC settings. The aim of this qualitative descriptive study was to explore the experience of resilience in a Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC) among residents, their family members, and staff. We conducted 19 in-person interviews and 1 via Zoom in fall 2021 with 5 residents (65 and older), 5 family members, and 10 staff (e.g., administrators, nurses, nursing assistants). A conventional content analysis was employed. While we did hear how the pandemic had a negative impact on everyone, the main themes of resilience identified were: 1) overcoming the pandemic together (sense of community);2) experience and adaptation (over time being able to adapt to the disruption in their life);3) staying safe (engaging in precautions and self-care strategies);and 4) positivity (mindset of getting through anything and relying on spirituality). Study findings can inform CCRC administrators on how to support residents, their family, and staff during future pandemics and other challenging times that may disrupt normal routines.

COVID-19 PANDEMIC AND RESILIENCE IN STAFF OF A CONTINUING CARE RETIREMENT COMMUNITY

Residents and staff of continuing care retirement communities (CCRC) experienced many challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic including loss, social isolation, and staff turnover. This study examined factors that contribute to resilience in staff during the late stage of the pandemic using the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale. Resilience scores ranged from 0 (low) to 100 (high). A total of 96 staff (76% female) were enrolled, and average age was 48.41 years (SD = 16.16). Average resilience in staff was 75.16 (SD = 11.81). Those under 35 years of age reported lower resilience scores (M = 67.38) compared to those 35-49 years of age (M = 76.65), 50-64 (M = 75.83), and 65 years and older (M = 82.71), p <.05. Staff who were married scored higher than those who were not (M = 76.63 vs 69.05), p < .05. Findings can inform professional development programs aimed at increasing coping skills in staff.

OUTDOOR PHYSICAL ACTIVITY AMONG OLDER ADULTS DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC

There is a gap in understanding how the current pandemic is affecting older adults' outdoor physical activity. This study aimed to explore older adults' perceptions of their outdoor physical activity during the current pandemic. A qualitative descriptive approach was taken with a conventional content analysis. Participants were primarily recruited through ResearchMatch. Eighteen community-dwelling older adults were individually interviewed from geographical locations across the United States;61.1% female, 88.9% White, mean age 76.4 (range 68-92), 5 ambulated with a cane or walker. We identified an overarching theme of Benefits and Motivation in which older adults conveyed wanting to maintain and improve their health and used the outdoors to continue physical activity since indoor activities decreased during the pandemic. Walking was expressed as the most frequent outdoor physical activity. Implications of these findings will be discussed which include supporting community improvements to facilitate older adults' ease of maintaining a walking routine.