Exploring older Cantabrian’s experiences of multiple crises and the impacts on resilience and ability to age in place : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Arts in Psychology at Massey University, Manawatu, New Zealand
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Date
2023
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Massey University
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Background: The incidence of natural hazards and pandemics is increasing. The impact of individual crises on older people’s ability to cope, connect, maintain, and build resilience has been documented. However, there is a dearth of research that considers experiences and accounts across older adulthood and throughout multiple crises. This is crucial considering the impact crises can have on exacerbating age-related physical, mental, and social vulnerabilities as well as predictions of more localised and international events. Older people living in Christchurch New Zealand (Cantabrians) are unique in that, over the last decade, they have experienced both large earthquakes as well as New Zealand’s rigorous pandemic-related lockdowns. Method: Fourteen Cantabrians aged between 72 and 88 years and from diverse socio economic areas took part in open-ended interviews concerning their experience of the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic and related lockdowns and how this differed from their experiences of the 7.1 and 6.3 magnitude earthquakes a decade prior. Narrative analysis was used to interpret their stories and provide insights into the meanings they attributed to their experiences ageing in place across time and crises. Findings: Many manifestations of resilience were storied within the three main narratives of ‘Reframe and reaffirm, ‘The virtuous citizen’, and ‘You’re only as old as you feel’. These looked at the ways in which participants: positively reframed their experiences; reaffirmed their key values and self-concept; presented themselves as virtuous, successfully ageing older adults; and didn’t identify as elderly. Conclusions: Representing the experiences of older people living through two very dramatic and different events is a novel approach to understanding capabilities of ageing well. This has implications for understanding the nuanced requirements of emergency communication, preparedness, and management which will be responsive to older New Zealanders’ needs.