The COVID pandemic has not been easy on anyone, but one population that has felt some particularly negative effects in regard to their mental health is seniors. Because older adults have lower stress reactivity and better emotional regulation than younger adults, they are already a frequently overlooked group when it comes to mental health and wellness. The pandemic has amplified existing mental health challenges for seniors, largely due to increased isolation and disconnection between older adults and mental health services.
Senior Mental Health Statistics
In January 2021, the University of Michigan National Poll on Healthy Aging received data from a national sample of adults from ages 50-80. They were surveyed on questions about their mental health and the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on their mental health symptoms.
- 28% of older adults reported worse anxiety or worry
- 19% reported worse sleep
- 19% reported worse depression or sadness
- 46% reported feeling isolated from others in the past year
Despite these figures, most older adults surveyed stated their mental health was good or very good, indicating that they did not necessarily associate their emotional wellbeing with their overall mental health.
Feeling the Pain of Isolation
A major concern for mental health among seniors during the pandemic has been the ongoing effects of prolonged isolation. During the most severe peaks of COVID infections, seniors living in nursing homes have been subjected to lockdowns that limit family and loved ones from visiting. Nursing homes and assisted living facilities have also been forced to reduce normal social activities among residents at various times throughout the pandemic.
For those living independently, isolation and loneliness have been even more challenging. Many seniors have heightened vulnerability to COVID, so they have had to isolate even more than others during the pandemic.
Social isolation has been a mental health concern for seniors long before the pandemic, due to factors like the sudden loss of a spouse, separation from friends and family, loss of mobility, lack of transportation, and retirement from the workforce. The effects of isolation can be significant. Research has shown that social isolation can increase the risk of numerous physical and mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety, weakened immune health, high blood pressure, heart disease, cognitive decline, and Alzheimer’s disease.
Victims of Caregiver Stress
The stress of the pandemic has been far reaching, and healthcare providers have been facing several additional challenges over the last few years. As a result, the quality of physical care received by seniors has been variable. In many care facilities, retaining staff members has been a challenge, leaving nursing homes and similar facilities without sufficient resources to provide the attention their residents need. Seniors living at home under the care of family members also face challenges, as their caregivers are often also looking out for young children of their own and facing increasing financial pressure. Caregiver stress and burnout only compound the mental health concerns facing older adults as a result of the COVID pandemic.
Hesitation to Access Mental Healthcare
The University of Michigan National Poll on Healthy Aging not only revealed that a greater number of older adults are feeling worse mental health symptoms, but also that very few are accessing appropriate care. Although 87% of older adults felt comfortable discussing their mental health, only 19% did so with their primary care provider. Only 10% of respondents met with a mental health professional. One reason for this hesitancy to seek care may be a lack of comfort or familiarity with telehealth resources—yet for some older adults, telehealth visits may be the only way that mental health care is available at all.
With COVID still disrupting daily life in a variety of ways, it’s important for seniors to have access to care from compassionate professionals who can provide personalized care that meets their needs. At Integrated Behavioral Health, we see patients of all ages and backgrounds, and our providers understand the unique challenges that come with getting older. If you are struggling with your mental health, reach out today to schedule an appointment at one of our clinic locations throughout Alabama.