COVID-19 Led to ‘Loneliness Epidemic’ Among the Elderly

A new survey shows effective interventions to reduce social isolation among older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic are needed.

Rates of depression and loneliness have increased among older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a new report on social isolation among older Canadians.

Researchers Laura Kadowaki and Andrew Wister from Simon Fraser University’s Gerontology Research Centre (GRC) prepared the report for the Federal/Provincial/Territorial Ministers Responsible for Seniors Forum.

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‘About two-thirds of women over the age of 65 felt separated from their families during the COVID-19 pandemic, compared to slightly over half of the older men that age.’

Survey data was collected from participants in the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging (CLSA) a national, long-term study following approximately 50,000 individuals from across Canada between the ages of 45 and 85 for at least 20 years.

Older women were most impacted, with those aged 65 to 74 experiencing a 67 percent increase in loneliness and a rise in depression from 19 percent pre-pandemic (2011-2015) to 23 percent in 2020.

The survey data also shows that loneliness increased by 45 percent among men aged 65 to 74 with a rise in depression from 12 to 14 percent. Women and men in the older age group, from 75 to 84, reported a notable but smaller increase in the loneliness of 37 and 33 percent respectively, and depression.

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Older adults living alone are particularly at risk of experiencing loneliness during the pandemic. Low-income older adults living in social housing or assisted living settings are more vulnerable to social isolation as well.

Other high-risk groups include those living with dementia or in rural and remote areas, Indigenous peoples, ethnic minority and immigrant older adults, LGBTQ2 identified individuals, and informal caregivers.

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The portrayals of older adults as a homogenous, vulnerable group during the pandemic have intensified ageist views and intergenerational tensions, given the reduced opportunities for older adults to safely interact with younger generations.

Programs tailored to meet linguistic and cultural needs and delivered via a range of formats, such as in-person, virtual, or over the phone, including support for those at risk of elder abuse.

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Interventions to reduce social isolation require ongoing collaboration since they involve partnerships between a range of stakeholders from government to non-profit organizations, academic institutions, and the private sector.

“There is a need for digital technology education and training programs for older adults to address the existing digital divide,” says Wister, GRC director.

Participation in virtual group fitness classes can help reduce social isolation and help keep older adults healthy. Ensuring all Canadians have access to low-cost home internet and free internet in public spaces should be a priority.

Expanding outreach and befriending programs between youth and older adults can reduce social isolation and combat ageist views and behaviors that have worsened during the pandemic. Organizations can also support older adults in safely returning to volunteering.

Systemic issues of staffing levels and capacity were identified as having implications for supporting social connections for residents in long-term care. Adequate staff support and training are also required for screening visitors, setting up technology for virtual visits, and providing social activities for residents.

Source-Medindia