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.

Digital inclusion of older people is an important agenda for the future and well-being of the older population, as it represents a form of social inclusion with significant gains for healthy aging. The present study aimed to understand the experiences of Brazilian older adults who use smartphones and the implications in their daily lives. A qualitative study was developed using a constructivist grounded approach. Older people (≥60 years) with prior access to a smartphone were invited to participate in the study. Participation took place through semi-structured, audio-recorded interviews. Data collection and analysis occurred simultaneously using a constant comparative approach. Data management and analysis used the Atlas.ti® software. Overall, 37 older people participated, with an average age of 70.60 ± 6.95 years, predominantly female (n = 33), white (n = 25), married (n = 26) and retired (n = 27). The first sample group included 27 older people with family support and the second group included 10 older people without family support (who lived alone in their homes). A core category emerged from the data analysis—“Expanding the personal and social development of older adults through smartphone communication”—around which three main categories emerged: 1) The smartphone as “a window to the world”; 2) The problem of misinformation and fake news on virtual networks; 3) Technological paradoxes in the use of smartphones. The digital transition associated with smartphone use brings unimaginable benefits to older adults who adopt positive habits to improve their well-being and expand their social connections, following efforts proposed by the Decade of Healthy Aging. However, older adults still face disparities and experience a significant digital divide, which represents a major challenge. Barriers to access are further aggravated in developing countries. We hope this study contributes to public health policies on digital inclusion and healthy aging.

The worldwide community has shown significant interest in researching the management of Long COVID. However, there is scarce evidence about the daily experiences of people living with Long COVID and their insights into the healthcare services provided to them. This study aims to understand the experience of Long COVID sufferers with their symptoms and in accessing health services. We employed Charmaz's grounded theory methodology, informed by constructivism, and applied the COREQ guidelines for qualitative research. Sixty-six Brazilians living with Long COVID participated in the study. The data was collected using semi-structured telephone interviews and analyzed using a constant comparative process. The findings refer firstly to the consequences of persistent Long COVID symptoms. Secondly, they describe how the disease trajectory required Long COVID sufferers to reorganize their routines and develop adaptive strategies. Lastly, they reflect a diverse array of both positive and negative interactions inside the healthcare system conveyed by individuals suffering from Long COVID. These elements converge towards the core category of the study: “The limbo of Long COVID sufferers: between the persistence of symptoms and access to health services”. Long COVID is characterized by its varied nature, including a range of physical and emotional repercussions experienced by individuals. There is a need for enhanced comprehension and discourse about Long COVID across several domains, including the general public, policy-making entities, and healthcare professionals. In this sense, the development of specialized services or the reinforcement of existing services to support long COVID sufferers is imperative.

Objective: to examine the repercussions of the pandemic on the family system by focusing on the perspective of family members who contracted and experienced COVID-19. Method: an exploratory study with a qualitative approach conducted with 27 individuals who had COVID-19. Data collection took place through telephone interviews that were audio-recorded and guided by a semi-structured instrument. Data analysis was based on an inductive process supported by Reflexive Thematic Analysis. Results: the pandemic and illness of a family member acted as driving forces generating new and intense movements in the family system. Initially, they noticed negative repercussions such as concerns, fear, anguish, stress, distancing and social isolation. As time progressed and by using technologies to ease communication, they began to perceive positive repercussions such as increased proximity, strengthening of ties, development of new roles and care. The families also identified recovery of a balanced position, with return of certain readjustment in family dynamics and functioning. Conclusion: health professionals need to recognize that the COVID-19 disease has imposed repercussions on family systems, proposing interventions that help families face this moment and more easily recover a balanced position for their functioning.

Objetivo: relatar a experiência de uso de mídias sociais para ações em saúde com idosos durante a pandemia Covid-19. Método: trata-se de um relato de experiência do projeto de extensão intitulado “Vovôs e vovós conectados: ligados na Internet na qualidade de vida”, realizado de abril a dezembro de 2020, mediado por interações síncronas e assíncronas, utilizando ferramentas digitais e discutido à luz da Política do Envelhecimento Ativo e da Década do Envelhecimento Saudável. Resultados: as abordagens virtuais basearam-se em: informações e combate às fake news sobre Covid-19; apoio emocional; promoção de saúde; e uso de tecnologia. Conclusão: evidenciou-se que o uso orientado de mídias sociais pelos idosos contribui de maneira eficaz para a manutenção das relações sociais e promoção da saúde na perspectiva do envelhecimento saudável mesmo durante uma crise sanitária de repercussão mundial.