Page 103 - IJPS-11-5

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

with fear have the lowest percentage in this category go to yours, very important things at one’s age, I’m 78 years
(12.1%), indicating they may prioritize other aspects, such old, family, going away for a weekend. it’s a lost year of life,
as economic stability. that’s how I feel. Anguish, the future scares me, I do not see
The “Neutral” category in Table 4 includes responses anything, I do not see that little light,//. I do not know what
where no clear opinion can be discerned in a specific to tell you.”
direction. Notably, women with fear have a very low presence This verbatim highlights the importance of social
in this category (2.8%) compared to women without fear, who connections in her life, expressing how the pandemic’s
reach 9.8%. In contrast, men show very similar percentages: restrictions made her feel like she lost a year. She shares a
10.1% in the no-fear group versus 9.1% in the fear group, sense of hopelessness about the future, reflecting common
suggesting that fear as a variable has a stronger impact on feelings of isolation and uncertainty among older adults.
neutral responses among women than among men. Women with fear: “Because I need to work, spiritually
In addition, we present a selection of verbatim quotes to I feel bad, I don’t feel like getting myself together, taking a
enrich and substantiate the categorization process. These shower. The problem is not being able to maintain normal
direct quotes provide valuable insights into participants’ activity. I have had it for almost ninety years. I never liked
experiences, offering a qualitative depth that complements talking on the phone much, I prefer physical contact. If I stop
the statistical analysis. By showcasing these personal connecting and looking at the face, the eyes, that is how a
expressions, we highlight how specific themes emerged friendship is maintained, a lot.”
from the data, demonstrating the alignment between A woman with fear describes how pandemic limitations
participants’ responses and the analytical framework. This have diminished her motivation and disrupted her routine.
material not only illustrates the diversity of experiences but She values in-person connections deeply, accentuating the
also underscores the contextual and emotional dimensions emotional importance of face-to-face interactions and
underpinning the broader patterns identified in the study. physical presence to support her well-being.

3.1.1. Heteronomy 3.1.3. Economic
Men: “Actually, I am a man who has become accustomed Men with fear: “I can´t work.”
to living alone all the time. I have managed my life with
freedom, and I am not dependent on anyone. But being Women with fear: “I feel bad being in a lockdown I need
confined, I feel like I have lost my freedom.” to get out, my husband can´t go to work and my income has
decreased significantly.”
This statement, from an older man accustomed to
an independent lifestyle, reveals the emotional impact In these verbatims, the man expresses fear centered
of pandemic-induced confinement. While previously on his ability to work and the financial insecurity brought
managing his life freely, the restrictions have brought by lockdowns, emphasizing how income uncertainty
about a profound sense of lost autonomy and freedom, threatens his livelihood. In contrast, the woman’s fear
underscoring the toll that isolation takes on those who extends beyond her personal well-being to the economic
highly value independence. strain on her family, noting both her confinement-related
distress and the financial impact of her husband’s inability
Women: “I want to decide whether I buy green or red to work. Together, these verbatims illustrate how men and
apples, whether I wear pants or a skirt, whether I go to the women may experience and express pandemic-related
doctor or not. We have lost the power of decision.” fears differently: the man’s concern is primarily economic,
An older woman shares her frustration over losing while the woman’s includes both emotional and financial
the ability to make everyday decisions, like choosing challenges. These gendered perspectives highlight the
specific foods or clothing. The limitations imposed by varied effects of the pandemic on personal and financial
the pandemic have led to a diminished sense of personal well-being.
agency, reflecting the broader impact on autonomy
and independence among older adults. This highlights 3.1.4. Health
the psychological challenges faced by individuals who Men with no fear: “.//fears of various kinds of the same
prioritize self-determination. illness: when I read the news, I experience all the symptoms//
sometimes with the healthcare systems, they can be a bit
3.1.2. Social-affective extravagant or exaggerated with the suits they wear. The
Women with no fear: “Friendship, having that thing of stigma towards a person who gets sick is better to die from
saying “let’s go for a coffee,” we meet up, come to my house, I’ll a heart attack and receive condolences, (at least) they do

Volume 11 Issue 5 (2025) 97 https://doi.org/10.36922/ijps.5686