Effects of The Quarantine Enforced During the Covid-19 Pandemic on Elderly People: A Phenomenological Study from Turkey

Abstract

Background: Global experts repeat the warning that the fight against COVID-19 is not over yet. If the increase in the number of cases continues, there may be a possible quarantine process in the coming days and it is clear that the elderly will be affected first. This research was conducted to determine the effects of the quarantine applied during the COVID-19 pandemic on the elderly living in the Central Anatolian Region of Turkey. Methods: The research was carried out between April 6 and May 11, 2020, with 21 elderly individuals selected by purposive sampling method and in the quarantine process. The data were collected through in-depth interviews via the Semi-Structured Interview Form, paying attention to social distancing in the open area during the hours when the elderly are allowed to go out. The collected data were analyzed through content analysis. Results: The sub-theme of "A right decision" among the expressions of elderly who had positive opinions about the quarantine; The sub-themes of "boring/depressive process" emerged from the expressions of elderly who had negative opinions. Conclusion: In the study, it was determined that quarantine affects the elderly negatively in general. In the research; it has been determined that staying at home during the epidemic left the elderly physically inactive, mentally depressed, and socially separated from their children, grandchildren, and friends, causing them to yearn. In addition, it was found that the elderly experienced fear and anxiety about the transmission of the disease due to the pandemic.