Resilience Amidst Adversity: Experiences of Black Older Adults During the COVID-19 Pandemic

The paucity of research and policy on the impact of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) on the experiences of Black older adults in Canada and around the world has intensified the enduring impacts of racism on their health and well-being. To bridge this gap, our study explored the mental health of Black older adults in Montreal during the early period of the pandemic.

Using an Afro-emancipatory mixed-method research design, we collected and analyzed data from 3 sources: a survey, focus group interview with service providers from Black community organizations, and individual interviews with Black older adults.

Our findings reveal that Black older adults struggled with mental health challenges, including loss, grief, and intergenerational tensions, and encountered systemic barriers in accessing services. Despite these adversities, participants demonstrated remarkable resilience, drawing upon their faith and community networks for support.

This study illuminates the complex experiences of Black older adults during the pandemic and underscores the imperative of addressing mental health and systemic barriers. Understanding ongoing challenges is crucial for developing targeted interventions and policies that promote long-term resilience and equitable healthcare for Black older adults.