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Long COVID is a multisystem condition that has multiple consequences for the physical, mental, and social health of COVID-19 survivors. The impact of the long COVID condition remains unclear, particularly among middle-aged and older adults, who are at greater risk than younger people of persisting symptoms associated with COVID-19. Therefore, we aimed to understand the experiences of middle-aged and older people who had been hospitalized for COVID-19 and the repercussions of long-term COVID symptoms in their daily lives. A qualitative study was carried out, adopting the framework of the constructivist grounded theory (CGT) proposed by Kathy Charmaz. Fifty-six middle-aged and older adult participants from the southern region of Brazil were recruited. Data were gathered from semi-structured telephone interviews. Concomitantly a comparative analysis was performed to identify categories and codes using the MaxQDA® software (version 2022). Three subcategories were identified: (1) experiencing COVID-19 in the acute phase; (2) oscillating between 'good days' and 'bad days' in long COVID; and (3) (re)constructing identity. These concepts interact with each other and converge upon the central category of this study: recasting oneself to the uniqueness of the illness experience of long COVID. Our findings provided insights related to the disruption in the lives of long COVID-19 sufferers who still live with persistent symptoms of the disease, including physical, social, family, emotional and spiritual repercussions. Likewise, this study may aid in developing friendly and welcoming social environments, lowering stigma and prejudice towards patients with long COVID, and fostering prompt and suitable policy support and mental health care for these individuals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims and objectives: This paper aims to: (a) determine the personal, sociodemographic, clinical, behavioural, and social characteristics of older Brazilians with clinical evidence of long COVID; (b) evaluate perceived quality of life and determine its association with personal, sociodemographic, behavioural, clinical and social variables; and (c) assess significant predictors of high perceived QoL. Background: Given the inherent vulnerabilities of the ageing process, the older people are an at‐risk group for both contagion of SARS‐CoV‐2 and the perpetuation of residual symptoms after infection, the so‐called long COVID or post‐COVID syndrome. Design: A cross‐sectional survey design using the STROBE checklist. Methods: Brazilian older people with long COVID syndrome (n = 403) completed a phone survey measuring personal, sociodemographic, behavioural, clinical, and social characteristics, and perceived Quality of Life (QoL). Data were collected from June 2021–March 2022. A multiple linear regression model was performed to identify salient variables associated with high perceived QoL. Results: The mean age of participants was 67.7 ± 6.6 years old. The results of the multivariate regression model showed that race, home ownership, daily screen time, musculoskeletal and anxiety symptoms, and work situation were the significant predictors of QoL among COVID‐19 survivors. Conclusions: Knowledge about the persistence of physical, emotional, and social symptoms of COVID‐19 can help nurses and other healthcare providers to improve the management of survivors, bringing benefits to the whole society. Relevance to clinical practice: Given the novelty of long‐COVID and its heterogeneous trajectory, interventions focusing on the repercussions and requirements unique to more vulnerable older persons should be developed and these aspects should be included in public health recommendations and policymakers' concerns. Patient or Public Contribution: No patient or public contribution was required to design, to outcome measures or undertake this research. Patients/members of the public contributed only to the data collection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: (1) Older adult are still segregated from young people when it comes to technology., Background: (2) On a daily basis, older people recognize the need, usefulness and applicability of the smartphone., Background: (3) Older adult are gradually moving towards digital skills., Background: (4) Digital tools are means of enhancing healthy ageing., Background: (5) WhatsApp ® groups help older people to engage virtually with peers., to understand the feelings and recognitions of older adults when they experience the use of smartphones in everyday life, as well as the implications for the healthy aging process., qualitative research, using the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology; the Senior Technology Acceptance & Adoption Model and the methodological framework of Constructivist Grounded Theory. We intentionally recruited people aged 60+; smartphone users; participants for 6 months or more in an extension project, without cognitive impairment, determined by theoretical sampling. A semi-structured script guided data collection. Constant and concomitant comparative analysis followed the steps of initial and focused coding, supported by memos, until theoretical saturation. The Sankey diagram was used to analyze the data, using Atlas.ti software., 37 participants were allocated to two sample groups. We present the category "Experiencing technological evolution during the aging process" and two subcategories: "Experiencing feelings when aging in the face of technological development"; "Using the smartphone and recognizing new experiences"., when experiencing the use of smartphones, older adult understand and recognize the search for digital skills based on their need for usefulness and applicability of information and communication technology in their daily lives, integrating it into the healthy ageing process.

Objectives: to understand the meanings of violence internalized throughout life by older adults living in rural areas., Methods: a qualitative study, anchored in the Symbolic Interactionism theoretical framework and the Grounded Theory methodological framework in the constructivist aspect. Data collection occurred through individual interviews. Data were coded using the Atlas.ti software., Results: it was possible to identify that the context of rural areas strengthens patriarchy culture as well as contributing to violence silence and naturalization. It was also found that violence is a product of social inequality and gender inequality., Final Considerations: older adults living in rural areas internalized the violence suffered in a unique way, and this scenario's specific aspects can increase intra-family abuse, as there is a patriarchal culture that promotes social and gender inequality.

Objective: To analyze the matrix support for health teams in Specialized Outpatient Care, according to the Chronic Conditions Care Model., Method: Qualitative evaluative research, conducted by the Chronic Conditions Care Model, carried out from February to July 2020. For data collection, interviews were carried out with 21 health professionals, assistance observation and document analysis of the service. Data were analyzed by data triangulation, with the aid of the MAXQDA software, respecting all ethical aspects., Results: The matrix support provided approximation between Primary and Secondary Care; implemented case management and qualified comprehensive care for people with chronic conditions. Weaknesses in communication and understanding of the theoretical bases of matrix support were obstacles to the proper implementation of matrix strategies., Final Consideration: Matrix support for specialized health teams qualified the professional care given to people with chronic conditions treated at the service.

Objective: to assess the Chronic Care Model implementation in Specialized Outpatient Care and its repercussions for health care., Methods: qualitative evaluative research, conducted by the Chronic Care Model. We used observation techniques, document analysis and interviews with 21 health professionals from specialized care. Analysis was conducted by triangulation, with the aid of MAXQDA software for initial and focused coding. All ethical aspects were respected., Results: professionals recognized that the model reorganized service care and administrative practices, presenting positive repercussions for the health of people assisted. The absence of continuing education for service professionals compromised the complete model implementation., Final Considerations: the implementation, even if partial, of the model brings contributions to service improvement. The weaknesses that are still present are compatible with professionals' difficulty in distancing themselves from the biomedical model.