Gender Differences of the Lived Experiences of Young Olds (60-74 years old) During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Older adults were vulnerable groups during crisis. Gender was one of the most impressive factors due to vulnerability in crisis too. The purpose of this study was to explore and investigate gender differences of lived experiences of young olds during the COVID-19 Pandemic. Using a qualitative method, 13 young old (60-74 years old) were selected through purposive sampling and interviewed in Mahabad using a semi-structured interview. Then, the data were analyzed using colaizzi method. The results were classified in two themes including "Transformed home and dwindling physical and spiritual powers" for women and "Social distance and disturbed retirement life" for men. Our finding showed that young old`s experiences were heterogeneous during pandemic. Based on the results, it can be concluded that during pandemic older women were exposed to doubled physical and emotional pressures inside home while men faced with increasing in emotional pressure due to getting away from outside. Therefore, it suggested that in policy making for preparedness and coping with the similar crisis in future must paid attention to different positions of young old, especially situation of women and it is better to heeded to role of family members and their social supports beside governmental supports for them.