Usamljenost osoba starije životne dobi u kontekstu pandemije COVID-19

master's thesis

• Title (english): Loneliness of the elderly in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic
• Author: Lidija Petrovečki
• Mentor: Ana Štambuk (mentor)
• Committee member: Ana Štambuk (predsjednik povjerenstva)
• Committee member: Silvia Rusac (član povjerenstva)
• Committee member: Marko Buljevac (član povjerenstva)
• Granter: University of Zagreb; Faculty of Law; (Gerontology); Zagreb
• Defense date and country: 2023-07-11, Croatia
• Scientific / art field, discipline and subdiscipline: SOCIAL SCIENCES; Social Activities

Abstract

Usamljenost se definira kao subjektivno i neugodno iskustvo koje je rezultat nedostatka u socijalnim odnosima. Iako je usko povezana sa samoćom i socijalnom izolacijom, razlikuje se u konceptualnom smislu. Usamljenost se često povezuje sa starijom dobi zbog različitih faktora i čimbenika koji starije osobe čine ranjivim za usamljenosti. Pandemija COVID-19 je otvorila ovo pitanje s obzirom na epidemiološke mjere socijalne distance i karantene koje su ostavile utjecaj na svakodnevni život. Istraživanja su pokazala kako se usamljenost povećala tijekom pandemije, ali se istaknula otpornost i prilagodljivost starijih osoba. Najrizičnije skupine starijih osoba za usamljenost su uključivale osobe u domovima za starije i nemoćne, u samačkim kućanstvima, osobe koje nisu u braku, ženskog spola, osobe s nižim intenzitetom društvenih kontakta, osobe s fizičkim i mentalnim bolestima te osobe nižeg obrazovnog i socioekonomskog statusa. Tijekom pandemije, informacijska i komunikacijska tehnologija je omogućila socijalne kontakte, bavljenje raznim aktivnostima, pristup kognitivno-bihevioralnoj terapiji te na taj način pružila mogućnosti za suočavanje s usamljenošću. No, izazov za starije osobe je predstavljala nedostupnost tehnologije te digitalna nepismenost. Drugi načini suočavanja su uključivali hobije, fizičku aktivnost, refleksiju, duhovnu i religioznu praksu. Koristeći razne metode socijalnog rada, stručnjaci mogu pristupiti temi usamljenosti starijih osoba na holistički i inovativni način, pružajući podršku i potrebne resurse.

Abstract (english)

Loneliness is defined as a subjective and unpleasant experience that results from a lack of social relations. Although it is closely associated with solitude and social isolation, it differs in a conceptual sense. Loneliness is often associated with old age due to various factors and conditions that make older people vulnerable to loneliness. The COVID-19 pandemic has opened this issue, given the epidemiological measures of social distancing and quarantine that have impacted daily life. Studies have shown that loneliness increased during the pandemic, but they also highlighted the resilience and adaptability of older people. The highest-risk groups for loneliness among the elderly included individuals in nursing homes, those living alone, unmarried individuals, females, people with fewer social interactions, those with physical and mental illness, and those of lower educational and socioeconomic status. During the pandemic, information and communication technology facilitated social contacts, various activities, access to cognitive-behavioral therapy, and thereby provided ways to cope with loneliness. However, challenges for older people included the inaccessibility of technology and digital illiteracy. Other coping methods included hobbies, physical activity, reflection, and spiritual and religious practices. Using various social work methods, experts can approach the topic of elderly loneliness in a holistic and innovative way, providing support and necessary resources.

• Keywords: usamljenost; starost; pandemija COVID-19; tehnologija; socijalni kontakti; socijalni rad
• Keywords (english): loneliness; old age; COVID-19 pandemic; technology; social contacts; social work
• Language: croatian
• URN:NBN: urn:nbn:hr:199:835002
• Study programme: Title: Social Work; Study programme type: university; Study level: graduate; Academic / professional title: magistar/magistra socijalnog rada (magistar/magistra socijalnog rada)
• Type of resource: Text
• File origin: Born digital
• Access conditions: Open access
• Created on: 2023-07-12 08:48:49