Perceptions of Senior Center and Psychosocial Wellbeing During COVID-19

With the globally aging population, neighborhood senior activity centers (SACs) provide a platform for older adults to remain active and socially connected to the community, maintaining psychosocial wellbeing for successful aging. We studied perceptions and participation of members from a neighborhood SAC, their psychosocial wellbeing and living experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic. We adopted a sequential mixed-methods study design: 49 members of a SAC, aged ≥ 60, were recruited, and 13 of them were subsequently selected for focus group discussions. Participants revealed that the center and its programs provided them with opportunities to learn something new, occupy time meaningfully, receive care and support, engage with others and increase social interaction, especially through health-related programs. Majority of participants felt increased social isolation with COVID-19 restrictions, due to increased restrictions, boredom, fear and reluctance in engaging in programs outside of their homes. Our quantitative results suggest no associations between frequency of participation in center’s programs and psychosocial wellbeing. Nevertheless, the center appears to play an important role in improving psychosocial wellbeing, providing structure and social engagement among older adults in the community.