Older people during the COVID-19 pandemic in rural and urban areas: digital technologies, medical care and adaptation

Purpose This paper aims to analyze the impact of the pandemic on the practices of older people in an urban and rural context in Russia and to highlight the lessons of the COVID-19 pandemic for planning the future of older people, depending on their urban or rural context. Design/methodology/approach On the basis of 50 qualitative interviews with the urban and rural older people (aged 63–90 years) in Russia, the authors analyzed how they experienced the pandemic. When selecting the sample, the authors took into account possible differences in the characteristics of the experience of the pandemic and the restrictions imposed on those living in both urban and rural areas. The method of interview analysis is thematic coding. Findings Self-isolation in rural areas was milder and allowed older people to carry out their usual daily activities and maintain communication. Urban older people faced severe spatial isolation and the inability to carry out their usual daily activities, which had a negative impact on their physical and psychological condition. Both urban and rural residents experienced difficulties in accessing medical care and medicines. A general striking trend during the pandemic was the rapid digitalization (communication, information search, etc.). There was an increase in intergenerational and local solidarity, volunteer associations in the city and the local community in the village. Originality/value This study shows that due to different regulations and law enforcement, the pandemic period was more easily experienced by older people in rural areas than in the city as they were able to maintain their usual lifestyle. At the same time, the pandemic exposed a serious problem with the medical infrastructure in rural Russia. The empirical materials show unexpected/new pandemic effects, such as the growth of intergenerational solidarity and the development of a volunteer movement and local communities to help older people.