Anxiety among older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic

• Published in: Journal of anxiety disorders 2022-12, Vol.92, p.102633-102633, Article 102633
• Main Authors: Gosselin, Patrick, Castonguay, Camille, Goyette, Marika, Lambert, Rosemarie, Brisson, Mallorie, Landreville, Philippe, Grenier, Sébastien
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Aged; Anxiety; Anxiety - epidemiology; Anxiety Disorders - diagnosis; Anxiety Disorders - epidemiology; Behaviors; COVID-19; Humans; Intolerance of uncertainty; Middle Aged; Older adults; Pandemics; Uncertainty
• ISSN: 0887-6185; 1873-7897
• DOI: 10.1016/j.janxdis.2022.102633

A growing body of research examines the COVID-19 pandemic’s effects on well-being. Only few studies focus on older adults or explore the predictors of COVID-19-related anxiety. Intolerance of uncertainty (IU) and some behaviors (e.g., avoidance, procrastination) are linked to anxiety among older adults and could both be relevant to consider in a pandemic context. This study measured the occurrence and anxiety levels among older adults and verified the possible role of IU and behaviors in predicting anxiety symptoms, impairment and distress related to COVID-19 health standards. It also examined the indirect effect of IU on symptoms, impairment and distress through behaviors. Participants aged 60 and over (N = 356) were recruited and administered questionnaires. Anxiety levels and symptom impairment were high and appeared to have increased since the beginning of the pandemic. IU and behavioral manifestations of anxiety were associated with higher anxiety symptoms, impairment and distress related to COVID-19 health standards. The indirect effects of IU on the tendency to worry and COVID-19-related anxiety through behavioral manifestations of anxiety were confirmed. This study provides knowledge on the relationship between COVID-19 and anxiety in older adults and identifies predictors relevant to this population. •Older adults report high levels of anxiety and worry during the COVID-19 pandemic.•Nearly 65 % of older adults perceive an increase in their anxiety.•Intolerance of uncertainty (IU) predicts COVID-19 related anxiety and distress.•Behaviors (e.g., procrastination) mediate the link between IU and COVID-19 anxiety.