PDF(Pubmed)
Abstract：
In order to slow the spread of COVID-19, on March 23, 2020, a strict lockdown was implemented in the UK. This was followed by alternating periods of less restrictive lockdowns until most public health restrictions were lifted in the summer of 2021. While these measures were necessary, they significantly affected people\'s daily activities, lifestyles, and mental well-being.This paper presents a longitudinal research study that focused on females aged 55 + in the UK, aiming to understand how COVID-19 and the subsequent 15-month period of lockdowns affected their lifestyles and emotions. The study collected data through online surveys, where respondents reported the frequency and mode of access to activities, and their positive and negative emotional experiences during distinct study phases that encompassed both lockdown and less strict periods.In contrast to previous studies highlighting vulnerabilities for females and the elderly during lockdowns, this research found that the studied group maintained an overall positive outlook throughout the study period and successfully adapted to the lockdowns by increasing their engagement in certain activities, in particular, activities like \'getting active\'. In addition, our findings indicate rapid adaptive behaviour change towards many online activities, such as cultural activities. However, the study also revealed negative emotions and a decrease in some activities during the second lockdown in 2020 and the subsequent lockdowns in 2021, underscoring the challenges inherent in prolonged periods of confinement. In addition, the study found negative affect associated with some activities, including working and studying from home.The findings provide valuable insights into how females aged over 55 coped with stressful circumstances, which can inform the development of resilient and mental health-conscious public health policies and responses in preparation for future pandemics or other hazards.
摘要：
为了减缓COVID-19的传播，2020年3月23日，英国实施了严格的封锁。随后是限制性较低的封锁交替时期，直到2021年夏季取消大多数公共卫生限制。虽然这些措施是必要的，它们显著影响人们的日常活动，生活方式,和心理健康。本文提出了一项针对英国55岁以上女性的纵向研究，目的是了解COVID-19和随后的15个月禁闭期是如何影响他们的生活方式和情绪的。该研究通过在线调查收集数据，受访者报告了访问活动的频率和方式，以及他们在不同的研究阶段的积极和消极的情绪经历，这些阶段包括封锁和不太严格的时期。与之前强调女性和老年人在封锁期间的脆弱性的研究相反，这项研究发现，研究组在整个研究期间保持总体积极的前景，并通过增加他们对某些活动的参与来成功地适应封锁，特别是,活动，如“变得活跃”。此外,我们的研究结果表明，许多在线活动的适应行为发生了快速变化，比如文化活动。然而,该研究还显示，在2020年第二次封锁和2021年随后的封锁期间，一些活动出现了负面情绪和减少，突显了长期监禁所固有的挑战。此外,研究发现负面影响与某些活动有关，包括在家工作和学习。这些发现为55岁以上的女性如何应对压力环境提供了宝贵的见解，这可以为制定具有韧性和精神健康意识的公共卫生政策和应对措施提供信息，为未来的流行病或其他危害做好准备。
