Exposure to socio-political unrest and wellbeing of older people in Hong Kong

被引：8

作者：

Lai, Daniel W. L. ^{[1
]}

Liu, Emma H. S. ^{[1
]}

Yan, Elsie C. W. ^{[2
]}

Li, Jessica J. ^{[3
]}

Lee, Vincent W. P. ^{[4
]}

机构：

[1] Hong Kong Baptist Univ, Fac Social Sci, Kowloon Tong, Room 1325,13-F Acad & Adm Bldg, Hong Kong, Peoples R China

[2] Hong Kong Polytech Univ, Dept Appl Social Sci, Hung How, Hong Kong, Peoples R China

[3] Chinese Univ Hong Kong, Dept Social Work, Ma Liu Shui, Hong Kong, Peoples R China

[4] Hong Kong Baptist Univ, Dept Social Work, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong, Peoples R China

来源：

BMC GERIATRICS | 2022年 / 22卷 / 01期

关键词：

Social unrest; Mental health; Coping strategies; Older adults; Hong Kong; MENTAL-HEALTH; MOVEMENTS;

D O I：

10.1186/s12877-022-03433-5

中图分类号：

R592 [老年病学]; C [社会科学总论];

学科分类号：

03 ; 0303 ; 100203 ;

摘要：

Background The social unrest in the second half of 2019 in Hong Kong came with conflicts, confrontations, and violence which affected almost everyone in the city. The destruction and disruption of the urban facilities have undoubtedly had a significant impact on the lives and mental well-being of the public, and the older people are even more vulnerable. This study examined the impacts of the social unrest on the wellbeing of older people, an area that was seldomly addressed in the public discourse and literature. Methods Narrative interviews were conducted to capture older people's lived experiences and ways of making sense of the unrest in Hong Kong. A total of 63 participants aged 60 and above was recruited through personal networks of the research team, and referrals by participants who took part in the interviews. Qualitative semi-structure interviews was conducted one on one via telephone. Results Thirty-three male and 30 female participants took part in the interview. The number of participants from different risk zones affected by political unrest was comparable. Three themes were generated. Participants experienced challenges during the social unrest, including disturbance to family and social life, reduced incomes which affect quality of life, and difficulties in socializing with friends and accessing medical services. The social unrest caused emotional disturbance, giving rise to feelings of panic, fear, insomnia, depression, annoyance, and anger. Participants reported different coping strategies, ranging from moving to other places, to avoiding going to risky areas and watching news. Conclusion Social unrest brings emotional distress to older people. In many cases, older people cope with challenges in different ways, whether active or passive. Social workers and other professionals should give more support to older people to encourage them to overcome their difficulties. The stakeholders' awareness of the problem and mental health promotion is required to alleviate the multiple layers of negative impacts.

引用

页数：8