Longitudinal study : the impact of COVID-19 on older New Zealander’s psychological wellbeing : a thesis presented in fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Health Science (by thesis) in Psychology at Massey University, Albany, New Zealand
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2023
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Massey University
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Background: Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) was identified in December 2019 and rapidly spread across the globe. Lockdowns, social isolation and distancing, and mask mandates were among the responses introduced to prevent the spread of the virus. Extensive global research has demonstrated that the implementation of protective measures had a significant adverse psychological effect on older adults, who are widely seen as a particularly vulnerable demographic group susceptible to the disease. Consequently, this population was subjected to more stringent and lengthier restrictions. The short and medium psychological impact of COVID-19 and its response have been well documented in academic literature. However, little is known about the enduring effects over an extended period of time. Aim: To explore the long-term psychological impact of COVID-19 on older New Zealander. In addition, explore changes in psychological wellbeing indicators across the three years and the variations linked to socio-demographic characteristics. Method: Participants (M= 69 years) were drawn from the longitudinal study of older adults (N=6,454 [n = 1,963 Māori]). Data from three waves (2020, 2021 and 2022) were used. Psychological wellbeing was assessed with measures of Loneliness (using the de Jong Gierveld Loneliness Scale), Depression (using the 10-item Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale), Anxiety (using the General Anxiety Inventory), Mental Health (using the Short Form Health Survey), and Quality of Life (using the World Health Organisation Quality of Life measure and the Control, Autonomy, Self-realisation, Pleasure scale). Repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) were conducted, followed by a Spearman's rho correlation, direct regression analyses and a series of repeated measures Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA) were conducted to address the research questions. Results: In 2021, a comparative decline was observed in all measures, followed by an improvement in 2022, with the exception of Anxiety which was similar across all three years. Bivariate correlations demonstrated significant associations between psychological wellbeing indicators and socio-demographic variables. Logistic Regression revealed Age, Employment, and SES as key predictors of psychological wellbeing among older New Zealanders. However, when considering the subsequent ANCOVA results across Time, Age, and Socioeconomic status emerged as the most salient predictors. The interaction effects between Time and Age, as well as Time and Socioeconomic status , indicated that the relationship between psychological wellbeing outcomes and Time varied with different Ages and based on their level of Socioeconomic status. These interactions showed that those with lower Socioeconomic status in 2022, and who were younger consistently experienced the highest levels of Loneliness, Depression and Anxiety and lowest levels of Mental Health and Quality of Life across Time. Furthermore, those aged 75 and above, and those with low Socioeconomic status, did not recovery as quickly as the other groups in 2022. Conclusion: This study offers insights into the psychological wellbeing of older adults in New Zealand. Collectively, it highlights their resilience, with Age being recognised as a protective factor; though, those 75+ did not recover as quickly as the other groups in 2022. However, as this demographic is not a single homogenous group, other socio-demographic factors greatly influenced their outcomes. The study illustrated that being employed can function as a safeguard during disruptive events such as a worldwide pandemic, highlighting the need for policy measures focused on enhancing job prospects for older adults. Furthermore, the study revealed that the COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated the existing disparity across socioeconomic categories. It is important that policymakers and healthcare organisations prioritise support and resources for those in disadvantaged communities to ensure equitable access to mental health services to reduce their vulnerability to adverse outcomes, especially during a crisis such as a pandemic.
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COVID-19, pandemic, older adults, loneliness, psychological distress, mental health, quality of life, socioeconomic status