Emotional states of older adults in social isolation during COVID-19

Abstract

Introduction: the high contagiousness of COVID-19, the increase of confirmed cases and deaths, and the social isolation have caused negative emotions and thoughts, threatening the mental health of the elderly population. Objective: to identify the emotional states of seniors in social isolation during COVID-19. Method: a descriptive, cross-sectional study was carried out between May to June 2020, in the health area part of the Policlínico Universitario “Dr. Rudesindo Antonio García del Rijo”, in Sancti Spíritus. The study population was made of 100 seniors. The variables evaluated were: age, gender, marital status, coexistence, occupation, comorbidity, anxiety, depression, irritability, stress. The information was obtained through semi-structured interview, observation and psychological tests. Results: 61.0% were female; 57.0% in the 70-79 age group; most of them lived with their partner, a minor or a disabled person (64.0%), only 36.0% actually lived alone. 65.0% had no employment relationship. 89.0% had pathologies considered risky for COVID-19. A normal level of irritability prevailed, both external (68.0%) and internal (70.0%), a mild level of anxiety (73.0%) and a mild level of depression (50.0%). 47.0% showed alteration in stress levels. Conclusions: social isolation as a measure to avoid contagion by COVID-19 has had an impact on the mental health of the elderly.

Keywords

• adulto mayor
• covid-19
• estados emocionales
• contagio