Effects of COVID-19 Pandemic on Health and Wellbeing of Older People: A Comprehensive Review

Abstract

The current pandemic caused by the newly described severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) continues to spread, with devastating effects on the functioning of society and the world economy. By June 4, 2020, 6,416,828 people had been infected, with 382,867 deaths worldwide. While new cases are declining in some countries in the European region, the disease continues to spread, almost unchanged, in the United States, and a steady increase in the number of infections in the African region has been reported. 1) The first case of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) was reported in Wuhan in the Hubei province of China on December 12, 2019, the origin of which was traced to the Huanan seafood market in Wuhan; moreover, genomic studies confirmed that the causative organism to be of bat origin. 2) COVID-19 mainly spreads via droplets from saliva and nasal discharge of infected people, and its common symptoms include fever, dry cough, shortness of breath, diarrhea, and vomiting. 3) COVID-19 is predominantly observed in young and middle-aged people with no significant sex difference. Most infections are either The pandemic is unavoidable; in addition to increased morbidity and mortality, they profoundly affect people and economies at every level. The negative effects of pandemics are more severe in marginalized populations such as older adults who have higher risks of acquiring infection, more disease-related complications, and increased risks of death. Furthermore, older people are affected by policy decisions and containment measures taken during pandemics. With rapid patient turnover and overwhelmed health care facilities, this older population may not receive proper medical care. In addition to poor clinical outcomes, such measures have profound negative effects on the mental health of older populations.

Assessment of patients with Covid-19 hospitalized in southern Santa Catarina

“…This fact can be evidenced by the higher number of hospitalizations and deaths among older people. Analyses of age-dependent mortality rates have consistently shown an exponential increase in mortality of COVID-19 patients aged more than 50 years 9 , which was also evidenced in the present study. Obesity is a condition associated with the worsening of patients infected with SARS-CoV-2.…”

A review on the COVID-19-related psychological impact on older adults: vulnerable or not?

“…Secondly, advanced age is related with intrinsic and extrinsic factors posing greater risks for older adults during public emergency crises [5]. As such, several narrative reports outlined the risks and challenges for older adults posed directly and indirectly after the COVID-19 outbreak [6,7]:…”

“…Articles focused, among others, on psychological factors and behavioural patterns that may help older adults shield themselves from negative emotions [22], highlighted the sense of "mattering" and its protective role against mental health problems [23], summarised the pandemic's impact on the management of noncommunicable diseases in older Europeans, recommended approaches to promote healthy ageing [24], and addressed the needs of older patients with pre-existing mental disorders [25]. Other narrative reviews presented smartphone apps and remotely delivered interventions to address social isolation [26,27], and proposed measures against older adult's marginalisation [6].…”

Is Korea Prepared for an Alzheimer’s Disease-Modifying Therapy? Assessing the Korean Healthcare System Infrastructure and the Effect of Blood-Based Biomarker Tests

“…However, the introduction of such a treatment will create challenges for the healthcare system, especially in light of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, thus creating competing priorities. 5 ) A disease-modifying therapy will likely be prescribed to patients in the early stages of the disease to slow its progression. Identifying treatment-eligible patients requires a complex evaluation process, including brief cognitive assessment, confirmatory neurocognitive evaluation, and biomarker tests.…”