The mental health of the elderly in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic: cognitive, emotional, and social/behavioral aspects

Abstract

Research on mental health during a pandemic is crucial as it affects behavior and disease transmission. It encompasses various aspects and is not limited to the presence of mental disorders but also relates to well-being, coping with stress, and contributing to society. The COVID-19 pandemic, with social distancing measures, has both advantages and disadvantages. It helps prevent the virus's spread but also leads to sedentary behavior, affecting vulnerable groups like the elderly. Pandemics typically generate anxiety, especially fear of infection and economic concerns, contributing to anxiety and depression. Fake news exacerbates anxiety. The constant fear of infection triggers stress-related bodily responses, affecting mental health. Women may be more vulnerable to mental health issues during a pandemic, but the relationship is not universally agreed upon. Family members of COVID-19 victims also face mental health challenges, given the restrictions on contact and burial. Pandemics disrupt the sense of reality and order, potentially leading to repressed trauma. The concept of mental health should focus on adaptability to change rather than rigid standards. Cognitive development is a lifelong process influenced by nature and culture, with synaptic plasticity allowing the brain to adapt to learning. Psychosocial development, as per Erikson, emphasizes the impact of society on personality formation, with a focus on ego integration. Emotions involve sensations, feelings, and conscious emotions, with biological, social, and individual aspects. The relationship between gender and psychosocial effects is debated, with various factors playing a role. Expanding research in this area is essential to understand the complex interplay of factors affecting mental health during a pandemic.