Older Adults’ Experiences and Adaptation Strategies during the Midst of COVID-19 Crisis: A Qualitative Instrumental Case Study

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to validate one of the propositions of the Need-Threat Internal Resiliency Theory. METHODS: This study used an instrumental case study of five participants to qualitatively explore older adults' experiences and adapting strategies during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) crisis. We selected participants based on parameters and conducted in-depth interviews of 15-30 minutes. The transcribed responses were then analyzed using a phenomenological holistic description. RESULTS: Five major themes emerged to explain and describe the various experiences of coping with COVID-19, known as internal resiliency, developed by the older adult participants in response to the perceived threat from this crisis. CONCLUSION: These findings showed that older adult participants had established internal resiliency in response to changes caused by the COVID-19 crisis, resulting in adaptation and coping with the situation, consistent with one proposition of the Need-Threat Internal Resiliency Theory.