Older Adults’ Experiences and Adaptation Strategies during the Midst of COVID-19 Crisis: A Qualitative Instrumental Case Study

Abstract

Background This study aimed to validate one of the propositions of the Need-Threat Internal Resiliency Theory. Methods This study used an instrumental case study of five participants to qualitatively explore older adults’ experiences and adapting strategies during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) crisis. We selected participants based on parameters and conducted in-depth interviews of 15–30 minutes. The transcribed responses were then analyzed using a phenomenological holistic description. Results Five major themes emerged to explain and describe the various experiences of coping with COVID-19, known as internal resiliency, developed by the older adult participants in response to the perceived threat from this crisis. Conclusion These findings showed that older adult participants had established internal resiliency in response to changes caused by the COVID-19 crisis, resulting in adaptation and coping with the situation, consistent with one proposition of the Need-Threat Internal Resiliency Theory.