The association between loneliness and mental health disorders in older people after the COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract

Background Acknowledging the exacerbated impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the mental health status of the general population, particularly the older population, this study aimed to explore the association between loneliness and mental health disorders in older people after the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods A cross-sectional survey using the SHARE database was conducted from June to August 2020 amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Results The sample comprised 847 participants, including 393 (46.4%) men, with an overall mean age of 74.6 years (sd = 6.7 years). Concerning mental health indicators, 441 (52.1%) reported feelings of nervousness, 384 (45.3%) experienced sadness or depression, 349 (41.2%) encountered sleeping difficulties, and 280 (33.1%) reported experiencing loneliness often or some of the time. The results revealed increased loneliness feelings for women who had worse health, increased fear of falling, dizziness, heightened fatigue, anxiety, depression, and concurrent health and sleep problems. Notably, age and medication had no impact on feeling lonely. Conclusions The pandemic has adversely affected the mental well-being of older population. These findings provide valuable insights for the development of targeted strategies to prevent mental health problems.