COVID-19 impacts and interventions for older adults: implications for future disasters

Abstract

The literature suggests that older adults have developed mental health problems and health challenges since the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic. Pandemic-related isolation, job loss, lack of social support, the inability to access healthcare services, and financial distress increased stress, loneliness, and depression. However, a few studies have contradicted this hypothesis, reporting that older adults experienced fewer depressive symptoms than their younger cohorts during the COVID-19 pandemic. Nevertheless, older adults who experience depressive symptoms are at risk for detrimental physical, emotional, and social outcomes. Currently, limited research has addressed what types of interventions could prevent the occurrence or severity of COVID-associated depressive symptoms in older adults. This qualitative study aims to identify the impacts of pandemic-associated changes on older adults and realistic interventions that healthcare, community, and faith-based organizations could implement to support and reduce the severity of these impacts. Researchers interviewed participants (n = 14) recruited from a senior center in New York. Data were collected and thematically analyzed. Findings suggest opportunities to find connection, tangible assistance, medical resources, compassionate education, and grief support services are interventions that may buffer older adults from pandemic-related distress. Implications for social work practice, advocacy, and further research are discussed.