Coping with being cooped up: Social distancing during COVID-19 among 60+ in the United States

Abstract

Objectives. This study examined the impact of sheltering in place and social distancing among adults aged 60 and older during the 2020 outbreak of COVID-19 in the United States. Methods. Using convenience sampling respondents were asked to complete a web-administered survey to explore impact of social distancing on loneliness, stress, and behavioral changes. The analytic sample consisted of 833 responses of persons aged 60 and older. Results. A large portion reported being stressed (36%), and/or being lonely (42.5%). Nearly 1/3 stated that their sense of loneliness increased during the time of social distancing. Respondents reported engaging in more solitary activity (and fewer in-person activities), using email and text messages more than usual, and spending more time on computers/tablet than usual. Approximately 2/3 reported using more social media than usual. These differed significantly by younger (age 60-70) and older (71+) respondents. Additionally, changes in physical activity, drinking, recreational drug use and sleeping pattern changes differed by age. Conclusions. Social distancing has significant consequences on loneliness and health behaviors among adults in the United States, many of which differ by age group. Results have implications for continued shelter in place practices, but also for any older adult that may be homebound for other reasons.

The Impact of COVID-19 Infection and Enforced Prolonged Social Isolation on Neuropsychiatric Symptoms in Older Adults With and Without Dementia: A Review

“…The studies here reviewed also highlight how healthy older adults forced to isolate socially reported high levels of stress (21), anxiety and depression that seem to be particularly associated with loneliness (22). Similarly, worsening or emergence of new neuropsychiatric symptoms was found in a substantial proportion (about 25-60%) of patients with cognitive decline as a result of social isolation (23,24), although changes in symptom severity were found to be similar between patients with mild cognitive impairment and dementia (26).…”

“…Seven studies focussed on investigating the impact that social isolation due to COVID-19-related restrictions had on neuropsychiatric symptoms of older adults with (23)(24)(25)(26)(27) and without dementia (21,22). Only one single case (27) and one case series (25) were described, while all the other studies used surveys/questionnaires implemented either via online (21,22) or telephonic (23,24,26) administration. The majority of these studies included standardised tools to assess the presence and severity of neuropsychiatric symptoms, mostly the Neuropsychiatric Inventory (NPI) (23,26,27).…”

“…In a large online survey including 833 healthy older adults (aged ≥ 60) socially isolating during the COVID-19 pandemic, Emerson et al (21) found no differences in self-rated mental health between older adults aged 60-70 and those aged above 70. However, the younger group reported higher levels of stress than the older group.…”

Mental wellbeing in the German old age population largely unaltered during COVID-19 lockdown: results of a representative survey

“…First studies investigating coping with the pandemic – though again not focusing on older individuals – reported that proactive coping behaviors, such as social activities (e.g. sharing worries with others, using social media to keep in touch with others), a healthy diet, physical activity, keeping a routine and pursuing hobbies were associated with better mental wellbeing [ 12 – 14 ].…”

Loneliness among older adults in the community during COVID-19

“…22 Living alone is as an important risk factor for loneliness, both pre-COVID-19 4,28,29 and presently. 27,30,31 We found that living alone predicted loneliness in women and men, although the effect was greater in men.…”