Repercussions of the confinement due to the COVID 19 pandemic on the autonomy and participation of people over 75 years of age: an occupational perspective

Abstract

Introduction: In Chile there has been an accelerated process of aging of the population while prejudices towards older people are maintained that can limit their autonomy and social participation. In this context, health measures were applied due to the COVID-19 pandemic that limited daily activities, especially in people over 75 years of age. Objective: To describe and analyze the repercussions of the measures adopted in Chile due to the COVID-19 pandemic on the daily activities of people over 75 years old in relation to autonomy and social participation and analyze them from the framework of Occupational Justice. Method: Qualitative and descriptive research with a narrative research design. Semi-structured interviews were conducted through video calls to nine people over 75 years of age, residents of diferente communities in Chile who have been in quarantine during the year 2020. Results: The measures forced older people to modify their routines, affecting the range of occupations they previously carried out, causing social isolation, feelings of loneliness and a decrease in autonomy, mainly due to dependence on carrying out procedures through technological devices. Most of the interviewees consider that the specific measures for them were exaggerated, poorly contextualized and did not consider the heterogeneity of this age group. Conclusion: The measures adopted for people over 75 years of age have deepened stereotypes typical of ageism that were previously present. This has implied an occupational deprivation that, however, has led the participants to seek adaptation strategies that realize their potential.