Page 102 - IJPS-11-5

International Journal of
Population Studies Older adults, gender, and emotions during pandemic

Figure 2. Word clouds representing perceived losses in the third wave of the pandemic, by gender and fear status. A word cloud representing the emotional
responses and perceptions of participants across diverse groups was segmented into quadrants. The quadrants categorize participants by gender (men/
women) and emotional state (fear/no fear) during the third wave of data collection. Larger words indicate more frequent responses, highlighting dominant
themes within each group.

Table 4. Percentage distribution of perceived loss categories by gender and fear status (n=322, three waves)

Category Women with no fear Men with no fear Women with fear Men with fear
Heteronomy 9.8 8.7 9.3 15.2
Neutral 9.8 10.1 2.8 9.1
Socio-affective 61.6 50.7 63.6 36.4
Economic 8.0 10.1 13.1 27.3
Health 10.7 20.3 11.2 12.1

and women, both with and without fear, prioritize these The socio-affective theme has the highest representation
losses, distinct patterns emerge. While socio-affective across all groups, especially among women with fear
concerns are the most prevalent across all groups, (63.6%) and women without fear (61.6%). Men without
especially among women, other categories show specific fear (50.7%) and men with fear (36.4%) show lower
associations with fear status and gender. For example, percentages, suggesting that women place higher value on
men with fear place higher importance on economic and social connections and affective bonds, particularly when
autonomy-related issues, while men without fear show a experiencing fear. This pattern reinforces the significance
greater focus on health-related concerns. These findings of socio-affective factors for women, while men may
highlight the complex ways in which emotional states and prioritize these factors less relative to others.
gender influence the perception of loss during times of Economic concerns are highest among men with fear
crisis. The following presents a detailed breakdown of these (27.3%) and women with fear (13.1%). In contrast, women
patterns, supported by data from Table 4. The perception
of autonomy loss is mentioned across all groups, though and men without fear have lower percentages in this aspect
(8.0% and 10.1%, respectively). These figures indicate that
its importance varies. Men with fear exhibit the highest
percentage (15.2%), indicating that loss of independence fear may intensify economic concerns.
is a significant concern for them in the context of fear. Health concerns are most prominent among men
Women without fear and men without fear also mention without fear (20.3%), which may suggest a preventive
this loss but to a lesser extent (9.8% and 8.7%, respectively), attitude or a focus on health as part of general well-being.
suggesting that heteronomy is a more pressing concern for Women without fear and men with fear report lower
those experiencing fear. concern for health (10.7% and 12.1%, respectively). Men

Volume 11 Issue 5 (2025) 96 https://doi.org/10.36922/ijps.5686