Page 105 - IJPS-11-5

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

gendered divergence in coping mechanisms (Buckley, As Fitzpatrick et al. (2020) note, fear is a complex,
2016). These gendered divergences in coping strategies multifaceted emotion that requires refined responses.
underscore the broader implications of isolation. The By acknowledging the diverse ways fear manifests across
prolonged lockdown in Argentina exacerbated these demographics, public health officials can design more
losses, particularly in the socio-affective domain, which effective interventions that address both immediate needs
was especially salient for women. and long-term emotional resilience.

4.3. Implications of isolation and socio-affective loss 4.6. Future research directions
Prolonged isolation during Argentina’s strict lockdown The varying patterns of fear and loss perception among
had profound psychological effects, particularly on older older adults underscore the importance of developing crisis
adults. Quantitative results revealed that socio-affective response strategies that address gender-specific emotional
losses were the most frequently reported category, with needs. For women, particularly during periods of social
women significantly more likely to cite the loss of emotional isolation, mental health interventions should emphasize
support and connection. One respondent noted, “It’s not socio-affective support due to their stronger reliance on
just loneliness – it’s the fear that this will never end.” These social connections and caregiving roles, as suggested by
narratives emphasize the compounded effects of isolation Reppas-Rindlisbacher et al. (2022). For men, targeted
and uncertainty, as previously documented by Brooks et al. mental health services should focus on coping strategies
(2020) and Etchevers et al. (2020). Men, while less likely for financial stability and autonomy, as these concerns are
to report socio-affective losses, emphasized the erosion often tied to traditional social roles that emphasize self-
of autonomy caused by lockdown restrictions, further sufficiency and economic independence (Lebrasseur et al.,
illustrating the complex interplay between societal norms 2021; Martins Van Jaarsveld, 2020).
and individual perceptions of loss. This interplay of societal Recognizing the diversity within the older adult
expectations and personal experiences is also evident when population, interventions could be further refined by
examining age differences in fear perception. Older adults considering demographic variables such as educational
displayed notable stability in their emotional responses, and socioeconomic status, which shape access to coping
which raises questions about the role of life experience in resources and social support. Future research should
shaping fear management. explore how emotional responses to loss differ not only
by gender but also across these age subgroups, age,
4.4. Age differences in fear perception
socioeconomic status, physical and mental health, living
Older adults in this study demonstrated relative stability conditions, support networks, residential typology, and
in fear levels compared to younger populations, a finding geographic location, given that older adults are not a
that aligns with Caycho-Rodríguez et al. (2020). This homogeneous group. Studies could investigate the role of
stability may stem from established coping mechanisms media consumption and social support networks in shaping
and a broader perspective on mortality, as Daoust perceptions of fear and loss, as suggested by Burlacu et al.
(2020) noted. However, the stability observed should not (2021) and Xue et al. (2020). In addition, examining how
diminish the emotional toll of isolation and perceived cultural values influence responses to autonomy and socio-
losses, particularly as these impacts vary significantly by affective losses may provide perspective into creating more
gender. Understanding these emotional patterns is crucial culturally responsive interventions for diverse populations.
for designing effective public health strategies. The varying Understanding the contextual factors that drive
expressions of fear across gender and age groups have fluctuations in fear, such as media exposure, health
direct implications for the formulation of interventions protocol changes, and personal health experiences, would
that account for diverse emotional needs. also be valuable. Research by Khan et al. (2021) and Daoust
(2020) suggests that these contextual influences are key to
4.5. Public health implications fostering resilience and adapting long-term mental health
The findings highlight the need for gender-sensitive public strategies. Such approaches could support older adults
health interventions. Fear, as Mertens et al. (2020) argue, through the dynamic challenges of public health crises,
can motivate protective behaviors, such as mask-wearing enhancing their capacity to manage fear and perceived loss
and social distancing. However, excessive fear may lead effectively over time.
to maladaptive outcomes, including panic and resistance
to public health measures. This duality was evident in 4.7. Study limitations
the responses, with some individuals describing fear as a This study has several limitations. The sample, consisting
motivator and others as a source of paralysis. of older adults residing in Buenos Aires, may limit the

Volume 11 Issue 5 (2025) 99 https://doi.org/10.36922/ijps.5686