This thesis explored how the well-being and vitality of community-dwelling older adults in the Netherlands can be supported. The thesis compromises three parts.
The first part examined the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the well-being of community-dwelling older adults, using Lifelines cohort data and interviews with older adults living alone. The findings demonstrate that older adults’ well-being during the pandemic was shaped by a dynamic interplay between external circumstances, such as changes in the living environment, and personal and relational resources.
The second part consists of a focus group study on lessons learned for supporting older adults’ well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic. According to participants (district nurses, informal caregivers, public health professionals, and community-dwelling older adults) the strong emphasis on infectious disease control came at the expense of broader support and preventive approaches for older adults. Key elements in promoting well-being included tailoring support to individual needs, facilitating social connections, and strengthening older adults’ sense of autonomy and self-management.
The third part focuses on older adults’ vitality in the post-pandemic context. Together with older adults, the underlying mechanism of vitality was mapped, revealing a dynamic interplay between psychological, social, and lifestyle-related elements. Subsequently, professionals and older adults co-designed a local approach to support vitality. Important preconditions included facilitating social connections and participation within the community.
Overall, the findings demonstrate that promoting well-being and vitality extends beyond the prevention and treatment of disease. It requires strengthening the social, environmental, and relational conditions that contribute to older adults’ well-being and vitality.
