COVID‐19 in the geriatric population

Autor: Rohit Jain, Rama Vunnam, Reshma Golamari, Justin Roy, Nitasa Sahu
Jazyk: angličtina
Rok vydání: 2020
Předmět:
Zdroj: International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry
ISSN: 1099-1166
0885-6230
Popis: Objectives 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 (MERS) offer predictions and the susceptibility in the geriatric age group. Results Organizations such as the WHO, CDC, and AARP 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. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Databáze: OpenAIRE
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