“knowledge reduces uncertainty, and uncertainty can be very stressful,” neupert says. “although speculative, it is likely that knowledge about this new virus reduced uncertainty, which in turn reduced feelings of pandemic stress.”
older adults scored better on the covid knowledge quiz and also endorsed more proactive approaches to staying safe from the pandemic and its effects. this finding suggests that older adults may be better at proactively seeking out information on the virus from quality sources.
older adults better at proactive coping
overall, older adults experience more stress in terms of the covid-19 pandemic, likely due to an increased vulnerability to the effects of the virus. however, use of proactive coping mechanisms helped adults over the age of 50 manage their stress more effectively than younger respondents.
proactive coping is planning ahead for possible scenarios to reduce stress. examples include having a plan on what needs to be done if you do start showing symptoms of covid-19 or reaching out to friends and family to talk about concerns as they arise — not once they turn into a problem.
this finding
complements a previous study
released by edward jones this summer, which found that, despite the greater health risks covid-19 poses to older adults, adults aged 56 and over are more likely to report they are coping with the pandemic well than younger generations. the edward jones study pointed to greater financial stability and more life experience, allowing older adults greater faith that they will be able to stay resilient through the challenges the pandemic poses.