"Provided a window on the world and lessened my feeling of isolation": older adults' perceived COVID-19 impact and technology use in Australia during recurrent lockdowns.

BACKGROUND: An informed understanding of older adults' perceptions of the impact (positive or negative) of recurrent COVID-19 long lockdowns is important for the development of targeted interventions and resources for future restrictions. This study aimed to understand self-reported impacts of COVID-19 recurrent restrictions on older adults and how technology has been used to mitigate these. METHODS: A cross-sectional national study of 257 community-dwelling older Australians based in Victoria (mean age = 67.6 years [SD = 7.2]; 20.6% male) completed an online or postal survey as part of a larger study examining the physical and mental health impacts of a second extended COVID-19 lockdown period. This secondary analysis reports on the findings from free-text responses to two open-ended questions included in that survey that asked participants to comment on the greatest impacts of the COVID-19 lockdowns (positive or negative) and the role of technology in supporting their wellbeing during this time. Responses were collected between July and September 2020. Data were analysed using content (COVID-19 impacts) and thematic (role of technology) analysis. RESULTS: Respondents gave more negative responses (75.5%) than mixed (15.2%) and positive responses (6.2%) in reporting on the biggest impact of COVID-19 lockdowns. Inductive content analysis revealed two first-order main categories (Positive impacts and Negative impacts). Axial coding of main categories showed five second-order categories (Environmental, Physical Health, Social, Mental Health, and Personal) for both negative and positive main categories (totalling 10 second-order categories). Overall, respondents highlighted social loss as the key negative experience (70%), with acute feelings of social isolation contributing to negative impacts on mental wellbeing. The most commonly reported positive impact reported (11%) was having more time for relationships, relaxation, and new hobbies. Technology was primarily used to sustain socialisation and provide access to essential resources, services, and goods, which respondents perceived to contribute to maintaining their wellbeing. CONCLUSIONS: Findings suggest a critical need for interventions that address the social loss experienced by older adults during COVID-19 recurrent lockdowns, particularly to alleviate the associated negative impact on mental wellbeing. Recognising the positive aspect of increased time for relationships and leisure activities indicates potential areas for resilience-building strategies. The pivotal role of technology in mitigating adverse effects highlights its significance in building social connections and supporting overall wellbeing during challenging times. These implications can guide future efforts to enhance older adults' resilience, mental health, and holistic wellbeing in future public health crises.

To be or not to be: Arts-based approaches in public health messaging for dementia awareness and prevention.

OBJECTIVES: Multiple modifiable risk factors exist across the lifespan to reduce dementia prevalence, and public understanding of these factors is increasing. Yet dementia is frequently misunderstood and stigmatised, and dementia prevention is not generally recognised as a health priority. Current limitations of public health campaigns for dementia prevention must be addressed and innovative alternatives developed to improve public comprehension and implementation of preventative action across all stages of life. METHODS: In searching various databases and public information on dementia prevention, restraints were found in current health messaging which did not reflect the complexity of this health issue and address diversity of its impact across cultures and ages. In consultation with researchers and public health organisations, we outline four case studies in Australia where innovative arts-based approaches have been adopted and discuss the potential for arts-based approaches to address these gaps. RESULTS: Arts-based approaches have the unique capacity to shift perceptions on ageing and dementia, overcome language and literacy barriers, represent health concerns across cultures, and actively involve individuals, communities and healthcare professionals in the process of dementia prevention. Future campaigns can engage a variety of communities and environments with art mediums suited to their preferences, capacities and efficacy. CONCLUSIONS: Recommendations include example mediums, environments and people to engage. Future research is required to understand the impact of, and to improve, the long-term adoption of innovative arts-based approaches in dementia prevention practices.