Impact of the Covid-19 Pandemic on the Mental Health of Older Adults: Charting a Road to Recovery

• Published in: Journal of psychosocial rehabilitation and mental health 2022, Vol.9 (1), p.7-9
• Main Author: Pavan Kumar, Viba
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Access; Adults; Aging; Anxiety; Behavioral Science and Psychology; Clinical outcomes; Clinical Psychology; COVID-19; Dementia; Developed countries; Disease transmission; Emotional states; Guest Editorial; Health problems; Health services; Health status; Helplessness; Malnutrition; Mental disorders; Mental health care; Mental health services; Mobility; Older people; Pandemics; Personal space; Psychiatry; Psychological needs; Psychological trauma; Psychology; Psychotherapy and Counseling; Rehabilitation; Social isolation; Social services; Social Work; Stress; Substance abuse; Suspension; Workforce planning
• ISSN: 2198-9834; 2198-963X
• DOI: 10.1007/s40737-021-00254-4

Mental health has been a focus from the very onset of the pandemic- the sheer volume of loss, the trauma of covid survivors (especially those who were hospitalised or worse still, intubated), the sudden awareness of ageing and fear of mortality, forced social isolation, and induced helplessness, seemed to provide a fertile ground for precipitating prolonged periods of stress and anxiety with the threat of these transitory emotional states evolving into more enduring mental illness for all sections of the society, but more so for those deemed vulnerable. Enforced isolation due to being identified as extremely vulnerable, reduced access to face-to-face medical care or social care due to social-distancing rules led to the suspension of several services creating greater levels of need in this group that was largely unmet; prolonged periods of being home-bound or in some cases bed-bound were associated with complications such as reduced mobility, malnutrition, the risk of developing both physical health and mental health comorbidities, and being at risk of neglect. Initial studies that aimed to capture the mental health of older adults during the pandemic seemed promising as there were no reports of significant increase in depression, anxiety, or substance misuse [7], but these studies were mainly online surveys conducted in the communities of developed nations, that relied on subjective reports by those who had access to technology that facilitated participation in the studies; they did not take into consideration those who may have conditions associated with negative health outcomes (such as those with lower incomes, mental health problems, dementia, those caring for someone with dementia, or having chronic physical health conditions or those living in assisted facilities). Lessons learnt from earlier pandemics like SARS have proved that regular telephonic contact, healthy monitoring by and contact with family, relevant and updated information, caring for the general medical and psychological needs, and respecting their personal space and dignity are important components of mental health care in the elderly [10].