Senior Guide to Mental Health During Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Source: Medicare Advantage

The aging population, ages 65 and older, is one of the most vulnerable demographic groups in the United States. The novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic puts seniors and their mental health at significant risk.

Seniors are more likely to have chronic health problems, lower income levels, and isolated living situations.

This combination increases the risk of poor cognitive function, dementia, heart disease, and stroke.1, 2 It even brings a greater risk of contracting illnesses like the common cold, and suffering from more intense symptoms.3

Even for healthy adults, loneliness is as dangerous to health as smoking 15 cigarettes per day, according to a study published in 2015.4 Another report, published in 2013, found that older men and women who were lonely or isolated had a significantly higher risk of dying.5

Because seniors are more likely to experience serious consequences after contracting COVID-19, many must stay in their homes or retirement communities, without seeing friends, family, or even neighbors for weeks at a time.

Loneliness and fear have a huge impact on mental health, which in turn has a big impact on physical health.

Seniors can learn to manage their mental health until the COVID-19 situation stabilizes and social distancing orders can be eased.

Read more here.