The wellbeing of elderly people during COVID-19 pandemic: A narrative review

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Quarantine and social distancing are important to avoid spreading the coronavirus. Being active, healthy and happy is a central part of managing daily challenges. OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study was to improve understanding regarding the wellbeing of the elderly during COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: For the literature review, keywords such as wellbeing and COVID-19 were searched for associations with terms such as elderly, ageing and old people. Only research published in peer-reviewed journals and written in English was considered in this study. The studies included in the analysis were only those published between the start of the pandemic and April 2021. RESULTS: From a total of 75 searches, eight studies fit the inclusion criteria. Elderly people are the population group most vulnerable to COVID-19, which threatens their lives and wellbeing. Technology such as artificial intelligence can maintain the wellbeing of the elderly. Lockdown, the lack of social interaction and the limited access to medications and health facilities can worsen the physical and mental health and the psychological wellbeing of the elderly. Conclusion: It is important to highlight elderly care and mitigation programmes related to physical activities and cognitive psychology to prevent mental and functional decline in older people. Further studies should focus on their quality of life and the wellbeing.