COVID‐19 in the geriatric population

Abstract

The global COVID-19 pandemic has caused rapid and monumental changes around the world. Older people, who already experience higher rates of social isolation and loneliness, are more susceptible to adverse effects as a result of the social distancing protocols enacted to slow the spread of COVID-19. Based on prior outbreaks, we speculate the detrimental outcomes and offer solutions. Methods: Reviewing the literature on the detrimental effects of social isolation and loneliness and higher mortality in the older population. Utilizing psychological study outcomes from prior major outbreaks such as in SARS, Ebola, H1N1 influenza, and Middle East respiratory syndrome offer predictions and the susceptibility in the geriatric age group. Results: Organizations such as the WHO, Centers for Disease Control, and American Association of Retired Persons have put measures in place to provide networking on a local, regional, and national level. These efforts are designed to start mitigating such detrimental effects. A necessary follow-up to this pandemic will be gathering data on unique populations such as the geriatric community, to better mitigate adverse outcomes given the certainty that COVID-19 will not be the last global viral outbreak. Conclusions: The results of worsened social isolation and loneliness is associated with significantly increased morbidity and mortality in the geriatric population. Various solutions including virtual interactions with loved ones, engaging in physical activity, continuing any spiritual or religious prayers remotely, and community services to provide aid for the older population are all efforts to minimize social isolation and loneliness.

How to bring residents’ psychosocial well-being to the heart of the fight against Covid-19 in Belgian nursing homes—A qualitative study

“…Nine out of ten NHs reported exacerbated or new psychological symptoms such as sadness, depressive symptoms and deterioration of cognitive abilities amongst residents due to quarantining and the stringent lockdown measures [ 6 ], which in Belgium essentially entailed that NH were closed from one day to the other. These measures created a general condition of loneliness according to Roy J. et al [ 7 ] Many studies show the detrimental effects of social isolation and loneliness due to quarantine on mental health [ 8 – 10 ], including descriptions of the impact on psychosocial health during the SARS outbreak in 2004 [ 11 – 13 ]. Currently, several researchers have warned about the psychological impact of quarantine and social isolation of the elderly during the Covid-19 pandemic [ 14 – 16 ].…”

A longitudinal study monitoring the quality of life in a national cohort of older adults in Chile before and during the COVID-19 outbreak

“…For example, it could be hypothesized that people who maintained low connectedness levels before the pandemic would be less affected by the lockdown than someone whose connectedness decreased after the outbreak due to less participation in social activities. That is, contact loss may negatively impact the quality of life [7,63]. Finally, the results indicated an increase in intergenerational co-residence, and people living alone may be an object of detailed future research due to a possible significant negative impact on the feeling of loneliness compared to people living with others [64].…”

Empathy-Based Ethics in Medical Practice

“…In particular, the needs of vulnerable groups including; racial and ethnic minorities, elderly people, prisoners, disabled persons, migrants and the homeless should be of the greatest priority (Baylis et al 2008;World Health Organisation 2007). The burdens of social isolation include loneliness, uncertainty, stress, depression and anxiety and even death (Roy et al 2020). Other mental health problems arising from prolonged isolation include addiction, domestic violence and post-traumatic stress disorder (Roy et al 2020).…”

“…The burdens of social isolation include loneliness, uncertainty, stress, depression and anxiety and even death (Roy et al 2020). Other mental health problems arising from prolonged isolation include addiction, domestic violence and post-traumatic stress disorder (Roy et al 2020). Grieving in isolation may be prolonged for families unable to visit their dying relative (Moore 2020).…”