Objective: The COVID-19 pandemic has presented extraordinary challenges that have
tested the resolve of the world and transformed our daily lives. We sought to
capture COVID-related attitudes and behaviors of older adults and relate these to views of adolescents from a
national study in the USA. Methods: This mixed-methods online
survey accepted responses from adult volunteers, age 55+, from April to July
2020 (N = 223). We used a snowball approach to recruitment initiated in the
state of Maine (USA). Results: Older respondents tended to report
congruent attitudes concerning COVID-19 risks and associated preventative
behaviors. Most reported taking Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
guidance seriously. In contrast, adolescents surveyed in a prior study reported
similar adherence, but less concern. Thematic review of open-ended responses
highlights key intergenerational similarities and differences. Discussion: COVID-19 has changed day-to-day life in myriad ways. Attitudes vary within and
between age groups. Further research could focus on intergenerational
differences in motivations underlying behaviors as well as differing needs for
public health education and support.
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