V magistrskem delu obravnavam in raziskujem značilnosti ter spremembe v socialnih omrežjih
starih ljudi v obdobju koronavirusa. Starost in staranje sta socialna konstrukta, o katerih imamo
ljudje obilo tako pozitivnih kot tudi negativnih, kontradiktornih, dvoumnih in mešanih predstav.
Zaradi podaljševanja pričakovane življenjske dobe pa počasi prihajata v ospredje raziskovanih
tem ter področij.
Hkrati se v Sloveniji kljub temu, da je za nas značilna močna institucionalna naravnanost,
srečujemo z vse pogostejšimi željami po preživljanju tretjega življenjskega obdobja v domačem
okolju, v krogu svojih najbližjih družinskih članov. Obdobje starosti je že samo po sebi polno
izzivov, prilagajanj in učenja novih strategij, s katerimi se ljudje različno soočamo, v zadnjem
letu pa nam dodatne izzive prinaša še epidemija koronavirusa.
Nova realnost, ki jo kroji koronavirus, je v življenja starih ljudi prinesla dodatne spremembe
in dodala številne druge izzive, ki so vidni predvsem na področju socialnega življenja in
socialnih stikov, vendar so se z njimi primorani spopasti na svojevrstne in najrazličnejše načine.
V prvem delu najprej predstavim teoretični okvir, opredelim starost in staranje, socialna
omrežja, socialno oporo, pomen družine za starega človeka, vpetost starih ljudi v medsosedske
odnose ter skupnostno socialno delo. Nadaljujem z opredelitvijo metodologije in raziskave, ki
je kvalitativna in empirična, v njej pa sem z namenom, da bi čim bolje lahko definirala
spremembe in vplive, ki jih je epidemija vnesla v življenja starih ljudi, intervjuvala 8 žensk,
različnih starosti, izobrazb in različnih družbenih položajev. Najprej sem se osredotočila na
raziskovanje njihovega socialnega življenja in socialnih mrež pred samim pojavom virusa.
Raziskala sem pomen, ki ga intervjuvanke pripisujejo socialnim interakcijam na splošno,
družinske odnose, medsosedsko povezanost ter se nato usmerila še v raziskovanje vplivov in
posledičnih sprememb, ki so jih sogovornice deležne v njihovem vsakdanjiku. Raziskala sem
tudi načine soočanja s trenutno situacijo in ugotovila, da največji del njihovih socialnih omrežij
predstavljajo prav družinski člani, v nekaj primerih so intervjuvane omenjale tudi prijatelje,
vendar pa večinoma socialna omrežja nimajo več kot 10 alterjev. Glede pomoči in opore se
prav tako najpogosteje zanašajo na ožje družinske člane. Velika večina sogovornic največ
sprememb izpostavlja na področju omejevanja druženj, kar posledično vzbuja občutke
osamljenosti in zaprtosti v lasten dom.Age and ageing are social constructs which are bringing enormous amounts of positive and contradictive associations, but at the same time are becoming one of the leading exploratory themes.
Despite that Slovenia is known by its strong institutional attitude, we commonly came across an wishes of elderly to stay in their home environment as long as possible, surrounded by their loved ones.
At the beginning of my Master\u27s thesis you can find theoretical part which consists of different significant themes. First I present age and aging, which is as a matter of course, the period filled with different challenges and numerous adjustments that are tackled by people differently. Furthermore I continue with the chapter named Family and elderly people, where I expose the importance of family relations. The chapter is followed by explanation of social networks, social support, neighbourhood networks, community social work and finally the chapter about the Corona virus influence. In previous year we have been obliged to cope with Corona virus epidemic. The new reality has brought additional changes, which are most apparent in the social life area.
In the following chapter, methodology and my research are described, namely I have used qualitative research, which’s main aim was to explore and compare the meaning and characteristics of social networks of elderly in the period of Corona virus.
Firstly I have focused on the exploring of so-speakers social life and their social networks before the epidemic. I have explored the meaning of social interactions, neighbourhood networks, social support and the changes in their everyday life which appeared simultaneously with Covid-19. Secondly I have explored ways of coping with measures.
The research showed that the major part of social networks of my co-speakers is consisted of family members , which are also the ones most frequently provide help and support.
It was also stressed that major changes and challenges are seen in the area of socialising, which brings feelings of loneliness
