The Analysis of Psychological Experiences of the Elderly in the Pandemic of Coronavirus Disease: A Phenomenological Study

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has endangered people’s health, especially that of the elderly, worldwide, and has caused many psychosocial damages. Therefore, the current study aims to investigate the psychological experiences of the elderly during the pandemic of COVID-19. This was a qualitative study of phenomenological type, in which the content analysis method was used. Fifteen elderly (60 years and older) experiencing quarantine conditions and physical distancing without COVID-19 infection were selected as the study sample using purposive sampling method. Sampling was continued until theoretical saturation was reached. Data were collected using semi-structured interviews and Colaizzi analysis was used to analyze them. Extracted findings from the interviews were classified into 6 main themes (empty nest experience, hypersensitivity, psychological distress, personal problems, interpersonal problems and tension resulted from conditions) and 26 sub-themes. The results of this study indicated that the prevalence of COVID-19 has strongly affected all aspects of mental health in the elderly and that the serious effects of this pandemic have influenced the various aspects of their individual, interpersonal and social life. Therefore, it can be concluded that the elderly face many challenges during the outbreak of COVID-19 and need to receive appropriate psychological interventions.

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