Agency and Mental Health Among Peruvian Older Adults During the COVID-19 Lockdown.

OBJECTIVES: To explore the experiences of older Peruvian adults living in urban areas of Lima under lockdown due to the National COVID-19 Emergency, this study analyzes how older adults (aged 60 and older) exercise agency while also living with the negative impacts of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and related control measures. METHODS: Between August and December 2020, our research team conducted a telephone-based, qualitative study, in which we undertook semistructured interviews with a purposive sample of low-income older adults living with chronic multimorbidities and limited resources. Forty older adults, 24 women and 16 men, with a mean age of 72 years, participated in the study. For data analysis, we employed thematic analysis with a predominantly inductive approach. RESULTS: Older adults demonstrated several forms of agency to regulate emotions, maintain crucial bonds, foster social relationships, and seek economic and food security. Older adults experienced entertainment and support by caring for pets, undertaking farm work, and practicing their religious beliefs. For several participants and their families, quarantine was an opportunity to strengthen family relationships and learn new technologies. Older adults and their families reorganized themselves to assume new roles and perform activities that improved self-worth and confidence, thereby improving their well-being and mental health. DISCUSSION: Peruvian older adults exerted agency in different ways to respond to and sustain their mental health during the COVID-19 lockdown. Policymakers should value and recognize the agency of older adults when planning future health responses.

"We can't carry the weight of the whole world": illness experiences among Peruvian older adults with symptoms of depression and anxiety.

BACKGROUND: Despite the high levels of depression and anxiety symptoms in old age, the use of mental health services in this population is low. Help-seeking behaviors are shaped by how an individual perceives and experiences their illness. The objective of this study was to characterize the illness experiences of Peruvian older adults with depression and anxiety symptoms in order to lay the foundation for tailored community-based mental health interventions. METHODS: In this qualitative study, we conducted in-depth interviews with a purposively selected sample of older adults (≥ 60 years) from peri-urban areas of Lima, Peru. We included individuals with only depressive symptoms (Patient Health Questionnaire-9 ≥ 10), only anxiety symptoms (Beck Anxiety Inventory ≥ 16), with depressive and anxiety symptoms, and older adults who mentioned they had received mental health treatment/care. The interview guide included the following topics: perceptions and experiences about depression and anxiety; perceptions about the relationship between physical chronic diseases and mental health; experiences with mental health professionals and treatments, and coping mechanisms. Data collection was conducted between October 2018 and February 2019. RESULTS: We interviewed 38 participants (23 women, 15 men) with a mean age of 67.9 years. Participants' ideas and perceptions of depression and anxiety showed considerable overlap. Participants attributed depression and anxiety mainly to familial and financial problems, loneliness, loss of independence and past traumatic experiences. Coping strategies used by older adults included 'self-reflection and adaptation' to circumstances, 'do your part', and seeking 'emotional support' mainly from non-professionals (relatives, friends, acquaintances, and religion). CONCLUSIONS: Illness experiences of depression and anxiety set the pathway for tailored community-based mental health interventions for older adults. Overlapping narratives and perceptions of depression and anxiety suggest that these conditions should be addressed together. Mental health interventions should incorporate addressing areas related to depression and anxiety such as prevention of loss of independence, trauma, and loneliness. Good acceptability of receiving emotional support for non-professionals might offer an opportunity to incorporate them when delivering mental health care to older adults.