Date
5-20-2026
Department
School of Behavioral Sciences
Degree
Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology (PhD)
Chair
Cynthia Edins
Keywords
Adaptation, Assisted living, COVID-19, Older adults, Pandemic, Quarantine, Resilience, Social isolation
Disciplines
Psychology
Recommended Citation
Rucker, Kwajulyn Onothia, "Resilience in the Age of COVID-19: A Phenomenological Study of Survivors 65 and Older" (2026). Doctoral Dissertations and Projects. 8395.
https://digitalcommons.liberty.edu/doctoral/8395
Abstract
Few studies have examined resilience among those aged 65+ during the COVID-19 pandemic. This research fills that gap, offering data to guide policies and treatments for future pandemics. The pandemic revealed factors influencing psychological resilience, with stressors linked to health issues becoming chronic worldwide. Older adults faced heightened stress, and 95.5% of COVID-19 deaths occurred in those 50 and older. Lockdowns increased isolation and depression, yet many showed resilience by drawing on strengths, social networks, and circumstances. Key themes from this study included faith, engagement, adaptability, and adversity. Most (80%) adapted well, feeling 'fine' or 'okay' and finding hope through faith, with comments like ‘The Lord comforted me.’ They stayed active via TV, exercise, and church, following routines to stay engaged and healthy. Participant 5 cited routine as a buffer against boredom. Faith was central; all practiced prayer, attended online services, participated in Bible studies, and listened to Christian music. Despite living alone, participants did not experience loneliness, anxiety, or depression, demonstrating resilience and adaptability. Findings highlight the need for targeted healthcare, social programs, and mental health support. Future research should explore beliefs affecting outcomes. Studying psychological strengths and coping strategies would be valuable. Despite vulnerabilities, review of literature revealed that older adults reported less loneliness and anxiety during lockdowns and maintained satisfaction. Age may foster psychosocial strengths from life's challenges (Martire & Isaacowitz, 2021). Early in the pandemic, older adults faced similar stressors to those of younger people but had better emotional well-being and lower stress levels (Lind et al., 2020).
