Background. The COVID-19 pandemic led to abrupt occupational disruption for all people. However, some populations, like older adults, were disproportionately impacted particularly in the earlier waves. Purpose. The purpose of this study was to explore and understand how the occupational participation of community-dwelling older adults was experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic, using the Canadian Model of Occupational Participation (CanMOP) to contextualize findings. Method. Sixty-seven older adults participated in semi-structured interviews from September 2020 to May 2021, 37 of which also participated in a follow-up interview one-year later. Findings. Using reflexive thematic analysis, four themes were generated: (1) experiences of loss are complex and layered for older adults, (2) technology as a medium for occupational participation, (3) risk perception influences return to occupation, and (4) age-related challenges for older adults resuming volunteer work. Conclusion. Increasing frequency and severity of influenza pandemics and other disasters are a global concern, and OTs can use their skillsets to foster participation and expand occupational possibilities for older adults. The CanMOP was a helpful tool to understand the nuances underlying the participation of older adults in this context.

Samantha A. Oostlander

Camille Joanisse

Michael S. Mulvey

Sarah Fraser

Martine Lagacé

Louise Bélanger-Hardy

Linda Garcia

Annie Robitaille

Margaret Gillis

Jill Courtemanche

Tracey L. O’Sullivan

Canadian Journal of Occupational Therapy

Occupational Participation Among Older Adults During the COVID-19 Pandemic

COVID-19疫情期间老年人的职业参与

Category	Quartile
医学	3
医学, 康复医学	3

Occupational Participation Among Older Adults During the COVID-19 Pandemic

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