Connectedness: relationships and community
For many older people, the lockdown has changed how they connect with their families, friends and communities, and how they feel about these relationships. For some, lockdown was an opportunity to reconnect with loved ones, as they remembered the relationships that mattered most to them. For others, the restrictions caused conflict and tensions in existing relationships: through spending a lot more time together at home, increasingly depending on one other, or disagreeing about how to comply with new and changing rules.
Older people who were physically separated from families and friends during the lockdown often found that technology was essential to help them feel more connected to their loved ones. For example, grandparents used video calling platforms like Zoom and FaceTime to read their grandchildren bedtime stories, support them with their homework, take part in family or community quizzes or learn new skills through online classes. In these times, many felt grateful for technology and the possibilities it offers to connect beyond physical restrictions—not least because they remember the days before the internet.
However, during lockdown, older people also often experienced first-hand the ‘limits’ of virtual connection—the loneliness felt by the silence at the end of a call, or the sadness of not being able to hug grandchildren waving from across the garden fence. What many older people missed most during the lockdown was human touch, especially at important occasions like birthdays, weddings and funerals. Their experiences highlight just how vital and irreplaceable physical touch can be.
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 Isabel owns a local Spanish restaurant with her son Eduardo, which she started in 1982. She has lived in London since the 1960s: 'I have been spending a lot of time keeping my mind active. Facebook and WhatsApp keep me connected to friends and family who are far away and it’s always nice keeping in touch and sharing our experiences. I like to crochet and have made lots of things from toys for my grandchildren to slippers as well as lots of face masks that I have given to people. My son pops by regularly, bringing things I need, and I chat to him from the window or at a distance by the street door. This is an amazing street and there is always a friendly face to chat to and they ask how you are, we always try to look out for each other, although it’s a little sad to see the shops all closed.' |
 Lynn is originally from East Lothian, Scotland and now lives in Wapping. She was volunteering for local Mutual Aid and the NHS over lockdown: 'My 94 year old Mum in Scotland is supportive of me volunteering in the Community. I’ve found it all very personally satisfying, apart from the obvious fear and worry for others, in that I feel very happy and content on my own but never lonely. My voluntary work keeps me very much ‘in touch’ and feeling as if I really am making a difference and helping when it’s so important. I love the new-found community spirit, and finally recognising NHS and other support staff as the heroes they are.' |