Abstract

Aim Hopes are protective and have significant health benefits. Little is known about the hopes of older people during the COVID-19 pandemic. The present study explores the hopes of older people during the first wave of COVID-19 qualitatively and quantitatively. Methods Participants were recruited from a nationwide sample of older Jewish Israelis (N=507). Hopes were measured using a single open-ended question about the participants’ hopes for the future. Responses were compared between age groups (60-69,70+) using chi-square tests and classified into types, number of hopes, and to whom the hopes concerned. Results 10 main categories of hope were identified, the most frequent one being returning to normal. Most participants reported a single hope; others mentioned two or more. Participants aged 70+ hoped more for their health and meeting others. Most participants reported hopes for themselves, whereas younger participants had more hopes for others than did those in the older group. Older participants also reported more “no hopes.” Conclusion The study points to the presence of hope in the lives of older adults during a global pandemic with significant health and social implications. It suggests that the older population is resilient even in the face of COVID-19, which heightened their vulnerability. Based on the types of hopes reported, older age groups appear to be most at risk of being affected by the implications of COVID-19.

Keywords: Hopes; COVID-19; Older adults; Age differences; Resilience