The study by Eleonora Iob, Andrew Steptoe, and Paola Zaninotto titled “Mental health, financial, and social outcomes among older adults with probable COVID-19 infection: A longitudinal cohort study” provides strong evidence for the negative impact of COVID-19 on the mental health of older adults. The research findings reveal that older adults with probable COVID-19 infection experienced higher levels of depression, anxiety, and poorer quality of life compared to those without infection. Importantly, these associations were independent of pre-pandemic differences in mental health, indicating a direct relationship between COVID-19 infection and psychological well-being. Moreover, the study demonstrates that these adverse effects persisted even up to six months after the presumed start of the infection, highlighting the longer-term psychological impact.
Additionally, this research reveals that older adults with probable COVID-19 infection faced greater financial difficulties during the initial phase but not at follow-up assessment. However, it is important to note that social contact with family and friends remained similar for both infected and non-infected participants. Furthermore, certain sociodemographic groups such as unemployed individuals or those looking after family/home showed heightened vulnerability to the impact of probable infection on quality of life, loneliness, and financial difficulties. Interestingly, low wealth levels amplified the negative effect on quality of life scores.
Previous studies have largely focused on small samples or lacked pre-infection mental health data. In contrast, this study includes a large sample size and considers participants’ mental health before infection. This strengthens its validity in establishing a causal link between COVID-19 infection and unfavorable mental health outcomes among older adults. It also sheds light on the potential long-lasting effects of experiencing long COVID-19 on mental well-being.
In conclusion, this study emphasizes that older individuals with probable COVID-19 infections are at increased risk for depression, anxiety, loneliness, and low well-being not only during the acute phase but also up to six months after the presumed start of the infection. These findings underscore the importance of closely monitoring and providing mental health support to older adults affected by COVID-19, both during the acute phase and throughout recovery. Additionally, it highlights the need for increased financial assistance to aid in the physical and psychological recovery of older adults from COVID-19 infection.
Reference:
Iob, E., Steptoe, A., & Zaninotto, P. (2022). Mental health, financial, and social outcomes among older adults with probable COVID-19 infection: A longitudinal cohort study. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 119(27), e2200816119. https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2200816119
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