Perceived Impact of COVID-19 on Older Adults’ Mental Health and Barriers to Mental Health Care

Abstract COVID-19 disproportionately impacted older adults in terms of fatalities, but also increased stress, isolation, and loneliness (Chen, 2020). We examined older adults’ anxiety, depression, and barriers to mental healthcare during the COVID-19 pandemic and their perceptions of these variables prior to the pandemic. Further, we explored whether any perceived changes differed based on geographical location (rural, suburban, urban). Data were collected online between mid-June and mid-July of 2020 from 244 individuals aged 65-82 years (M=68.3, SD=3.5). The sample was primarily White (91%) and female (60%); most (n=119) lived in suburban settings, with 63 in urban and 60 in rural settings. Repeated-measures ANOVAs at alpha=.01 showed that depressive symptoms, measured by the CESD-10 (p<.001), and anxiety symptoms, measured by the GAD-7 (p<.001), increased during the pandemic as did mental healthcare barriers related to transportation (p=.004) and beliefs that depression is a normal part of aging (p<.001). Only transportation concerns differed based on where older adults lived; those in rural (p<.001) and urban (p=.004) settings reported greater transportation barriers than those in suburban settings. No differences over time were found for barriers related to help-seeking (p=.403), stigma (p=.156), knowledge/fear (p=.180), finding a therapist (p=.030), ageism (p=.302), psychotherapist qualifications (p=.265), physician referrals (p=.207), or finances (p=.818). These findings highlight the impact of COVID-19 on older adults’ perceptions of changes in their psychological well-being as well as their experience navigating mental health services.

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Strategies to Prevent Suicide in Schools and Communities

10.31235/osf.io/znrgj ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Anna S. Mueller ◽

Sarah Diefendorf ◽

Seth Abrutyn ◽

Katie A. Beardall ◽

Robert Gallagher ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Suicide Prevention ◽

Help Seeking ◽

Mental Healthcare ◽

Well Being ◽

Social Environments ◽

Front Range ◽

Tiered System ◽

The Impact ◽

Prevention In Schools

The Social Worlds and Youth Well-Being Study examines the impact of social environments on youth’s welfare, help-seeking, and resilience to identify strategies for improving youth mental health and suicide prevention in schools and communities. This study grew out of a shared desire between the Front Range School District (FRSD, a pseudonym) and the research team to identify new, sustainable, effective, and equitable strategies to improve suicide prevention in schools, families, and communities. This report presents our main findings from the study on the Colorado front range. The report discusses the strategies schools use to effectively prevent suicide, including building cultures of belonging, emphasizing whole child educational philosophies, and incorporating mental health into multi-tiered system of supports. The report also examines the important roles of families, mental healthcare, pediatricians and family medicine doctors, Safe2Tell, and faith communities in both suicide prevention and in supporting school-based suicide prevention. Finally, the report offers concrete policy recommendations and practical suggestions to improve suicide prevention in families, schools, and communities.

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SEPARATED KIN: RURAL-URBAN MIGRATION AND MENTAL HEALTH TRAJECTORIES OF OLDER ADULTS LEFT BEHIND IN RURAL CHINA

Innovation in Aging ◽

10.1093/geroni/igz038.3223 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽

pp. S880-S880

Author(s):

Zhiyong Lin

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Older Adults ◽

Depressive Symptoms ◽

Rural China ◽

Well Being ◽

Migrant Children ◽

Urban Migration ◽

Left Behind ◽

Rate Of Increase ◽

The Impact

Abstract As the processes of urbanization and globalization have intensified across the world, a burgeoning literature has documented the impact of emigration on the health of family members left behind in emigrant communities. Although the association between children’s migration and parental well-being is well documented, few have examined the health implications of children’s migration in the milieu of multiple children and further differentiated between children’s short-term and long-term migration. Therefore, I argue that it is not the geographic locality of a single child but the composition of all children’s location that matters. I further suggest that the impact of children’s migration on parental wellbeing is conditioned on the duration of children’s migration. Using a six waves longitudinal data (2001-2015) collected in rural China, this paper compares mental health (measured as depressive symptoms) trajectories of old adults (aged 60 and older) across different compositions of local and migrant children over a 14-year span. Results from growth curve models show that parents having more migrant children relative to local children experience a more rapid increase in depressive symptoms. In addition, older adults who have their most children migrate away for three or more waves of data have experienced the steepest rate of increase in depressive symptoms. These findings provide new evidence to support the life course processes of mental health disparities among older adults from the perspective of intergenerational proximity.

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The Impact of Distal Influences and Proximal Resources on the Mental Health of African American Older Adults: Findings From the Georgia Centenarian Study

Innovation in Aging ◽

10.1093/geroni/igaa046 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 4 (5) ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Meneka C Johnson Nicholson ◽

Peter Martin ◽

Megan Gilligan ◽

Carolyn E Cutrona ◽

Daniel W Russell ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Older Adults ◽

African American ◽

Health Outcomes ◽

Early Life ◽

Well Being ◽

Mental Health Outcomes ◽

Financial Resources ◽

The Impact ◽

African American Older Adults

Abstract Background and Objectives Over the years, a large amount of research has been devoted to the investigation of factors that led to mental health outcomes in older adults. For African American older adults, their lived experiences place them at high risk for mental health problems. The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of early life influences (i.e., education, childhood life events, and childhood financial well-being) and present psychosocial resources (i.e., individual, financial, and social) on current mental health outcomes in a sample of African American older adults in their 60s, 80s, and 100s. Research Design and Methods Using data from the Georgia Centenarian Study, 125 participants were interviewed about their mental health, resources, and early life influences. Results A structural equation model was tested and resulted in a good fit. Results indicated that the more social resources African American older adults had available, the lower the number of depressive symptoms they reported. African Americans with higher levels of financial well-being during childhood reported higher self-rated mental health. Older adults had higher levels of financial resources. Level of education showed a positive relationship with financial resources. Indirect effects of distal influences on health outcomes via current resources were not found. Discussion and Implications The findings are of direct practical relevance and can be used to more readily identify older African Americans who may be susceptible to poorer mental health outcomes based upon the impact of their unique distal and proximal psychosocial resources.

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Older Adults’ Perspectives on Using Digital Technology to Maintain Good Mental Health: Interactive Group Study (Preprint)

10.2196/preprints.11694 ◽

2018 ◽

Author(s):

Jacob A Andrews ◽

Laura JE Brown ◽

Mark S Hawley ◽

Arlene J Astell

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Older Adults ◽

Digital Technologies ◽

Well Being ◽

Mental States ◽

Digital Platforms ◽

Good Mental Health ◽

Template Analysis ◽

Barriers To Use ◽

The Impact

BACKGROUND A growing number of apps to support good mental health and well-being are available on digital platforms. However, very few studies have examined older adults’ attitudes toward the use of these apps, despite increasing uptake of digital technologies by this demographic. OBJECTIVE This study sought to explore older adults’ perspectives on technology to support good mental health. METHODS A total of 15 older adults aged 50 years or older, in two groups, participated in sessions to explore the use of digital technologies to support mental health. Interactive activities were designed to capture participants’ immediate reactions to apps and websites designed to support mental health and to explore their experiences of using technology for these purposes in their own lives. Template analysis was used to analyze transcripts of the group discussions. RESULTS Older adults were motivated to turn to technology to improve mood through mechanisms of distraction, normalization, and facilitated expression of mental states, while aiming to reduce burden on others. Perceived barriers to use included fear of consequences and the impact of low mood on readiness to engage with technology, as well as a lack of prior knowledge applicable to digital technologies. Participants were aware of websites available to support mental health, but awareness alone did not motivate use. CONCLUSIONS Older adults are motivated to use digital technologies to improve their mental health, but barriers remain that developers need to address for this population to access them.

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204 - Psychological distress and support needs of community residing older adults in urban India – An exploratory study

International Psychogeriatrics ◽

10.1017/s1041610221001381 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 33 (S1) ◽

pp. 8-9

Author(s):

Jayashree Dasgupta ◽

Meenakshi Chopra

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Older Adults ◽

Psychological Distress ◽

Coping Strategies ◽

Help Seeking ◽

Public Awareness ◽

Well Being ◽

Support Needs ◽

Urban India ◽

And Coping

Background:COVID pandemic in India, lockdowns and an unprepared health system has affected wellbeing of older adults. Low public awareness about mental health issues and stigma also contribute to low help seeking. Exploring impact of COVID on mental health of older adults and understanding support needs is essential.Research Objective:To examine mental wellbeing and coping strategies used by urban community residing older adults during the pandemic in India.Method:As part of an ongoing community engagement initiative with older adults and their families, an online survey was conducted during the first wave of the pandemic in April/May 2020. Sociodemographic details and information on coping strategies were gathered. The five-item General Health Questionnaire (GHQ) was used to screen for psychological distress and data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Respondents were contacted again in May 2021 during the second COVID wave for a telephonic interview to understand current levels of distress and coping strategies. Consent was taken for audio recording and interviews were conducted using a semi-structured interview guide. Interviews were transcribed and analyzed using thematic analysis.Preliminary results of the ongoing study:Respondents (N=54) aged between 40-86 years (Mn = 60; SD = 18.9). Majority were male (61%), retired or homemakers (57%) and widowed/unmarried (52%). Of the sample 70% had one or more pre-existing medical conditions. A score of ≥ 2 on GHQ in 66% respondents indicates psychological distress. Stressors included health and well-being of family (62%), difficulty managing household work (42%) and increase in family conflicts (17%). Although 72% discussed their worries with family/friends, only 25% considered speaking with a mental health professional indicating low help seeking. Of respondents contacted again, 40% citied ill health or being busy as reasons for refusal to participate. Of those who agreed, 33% reported psychological distress. In-depth interviews, showed use of online mental wellness sessions and yoga/meditation to be beneficial coping strategies. Need for more online support groups was also highlighted.Conclusion:Psychological distress is present amongst community residing older adults in urban India. A change in attitude towards tele mental health must be leveraged to provide support for adults experiencing psychological distress.

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407 - Living through the pandemic as an older person: Long-term psychological impacts in low- and middle-income countries

International Psychogeriatrics ◽

10.1017/s1041610221001666 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 33 (S1) ◽

pp. 33-33

Author(s):

Clarissa Giebel ◽

Bwire Ivan ◽

Maria Isabel Zuluaga ◽

Suresh Kumar ◽

Mark Gabbay ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Older Adults ◽

Well Being ◽

Middle Income ◽

Middle Income Countries ◽

Health And Social Care ◽

The Impact ◽

Low And Middle Income

Background:The pandemic has put a huge strain on people’s mental health, with varying restrictions affecting people’s lives. Little is known how the pandemic affects older adults’ mental health, particularly those living in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) where restrictions are affecting people’s access to basic necessities. Thus, the aim of this 3-country study was to understand the long- term impacts of the pandemic on the mental well-being of older adults with and without dementia in LMICs.Methods:We are collecting 30 baseline and 15 follow-up interviews with older adults (aged 60+), people with dementia, and family carers in Colombia, India, and Uganda, as well as a baseline and follow-up focus group with health and social are professionals in each country. Interviews are conducted remotely over the phone due to pandemic restrictions, with data collection taking place between March and July 2021. Transcripts are translated into English before being analysed using thematic analysis.Results:To date, we have completed close to 90 baseline interviews and 3 focus groups with health and social care professionals. Analysis is ongoing, but findings are capturing the detrimental second wave in India and follow-up interviews will capture the longitudinal impacts on mental health.Conclusions:Whilst vaccines are starting to be rolled out in LMICs, albeit at different rates, the virus will likely take much longer to be somewhat managed in LMICs. This leaves more room for people’s physical as well as mental health to be impacted by the restrictions, and with often limited mental health service coverage, it is all the more important o understand the impact of the pandemic on older people’s mental health.

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Online Leisure Activities for Sustained Mental Health Well-being in Older Adults with COVID-19 Mitigation

Innovation in Aging ◽

10.1093/geroni/igab046.2684 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽

pp. 725-725

Author(s):

Solymar Rivera-Torres ◽

Elias Mpofu ◽

M Jean Keller ◽

Stan Ingman

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Older Adults ◽

Leisure Time Physical Activity ◽

Emotional Health ◽

Empirical Studies ◽

Leisure Activities ◽

Well Being ◽

The Usa ◽

Leisure And Recreation ◽

The Impact

Abstract Older adults (OA) experience psychosocial distress from the COVID-19 pandemic mitigations. While their participation in leisure and recreation activities (LRA) would be ameliorating, we do not know how LRA OA engages for their mental health (MH) well-being with COVID-19 mitigation. This scoping review aimed to trend the evidence on the types of LRA OA engage for their MH well-being across the young-old continuum (60-69 years) through to older-old (80 years and above) in the COVID-19 pandemic. We searched the following electronic databases (PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL, Cochrane, JBI-ES, and Epistemonicos for LRA studies by OA with COVID-19 mitigation. To be included, we considered empirical articles published in English on LRA of OA 55+ years-old. Another criterion required articles describing those activities' qualities and the impact of LRA on MH and well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic. We resulted in seven empirical studies, two of which implemented in the USA and one from the USA and Canada, Spain, Israel, and Japan. Findings following narrative synthesis revealed trending evidence on OA to engage in online LRA for social, cognitive /intellectual, and emotional health. Leisure-time physical activity reduced negative MH symptoms as anxiety and depression in OA under COVID-19 threat. In conclusion, the present review's trending evidence suggests that OA engagement in social, physical, mental, and cognitive LRA enhanced their MH and overall well-being. Activities delivered by way of the Internet and television provided a cluster of beneficial opportunities for the OA mental health needs under the COVID-19 pandemic.

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The Impact of COVID-19 Concerns on the Mental Health of Older Adults: A Rapid Review

Innovation in Aging ◽

10.1093/geroni/igab046.2691 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽

pp. 727-728

Author(s):

Sophia Perez ◽

Alexandria Nuccio ◽

Ashley Stripling

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Older Adults ◽

Risk Perceptions ◽

Psychological Impact ◽

Well Being ◽

Rapid Review ◽

Future Research ◽

Psychological Well Being ◽

English Language Journal ◽

The Impact

Abstract The Coronavirus (COVID-19) Pandemic continues to drastically impact older adults. Despite COVID-19 being linked to increased social isolation and loneliness, more research is needed on the psychological effects associated with older adults’ concerns of the pandemic. The current review explores associations between the COVID-19 Pandemic and older adults’ mental health to increase awareness and understanding. For this rapid review, empirical peer-reviewed source documents were identified through a computerized search using APA PsycInfo and Google Scholar bibliographical databases covering the years 2019 to 2021. The following keywords and combinations were used: “older adults,” “COVID-19,” and “mental health effects.” Relevant exclusion criteria were applied, and all related English-language journal articles were read. 47 articles met inclusion criteria. Eight associated COVID-19 stress with loneliness, anxiety, depression, sleep disturbances, and poor psychological well-being, with three additional articles reporting elevations in women. Three articles revealed mixed findings regarding the impact of age on psychological variables. 13 articles evaluated changes among those with psychological/psychiatric diagnoses, and six explored physical activity and depression. Of the remaining articles, two concentrated on nutrition; seven examined routines, behaviors, and societal or risk perceptions; two evaluated coping mechanisms; and three examined emotional distress changes. Understanding COVID-19’s psychological impact on older adults will take time. This rapid review revealed mixed findings regarding COVID-19 related concerns on older adults’ psychological well-being, with multiple demographic variables uniquely impacting these outcomes. It is imperative that future research explore older adults’ risks and develop interventions related to the psychological impact of COVID-19.

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Dog Park Membership and Life Satisfaction Among Older Adults

Innovation in Aging ◽

10.1093/geroni/igab046.3135 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽

pp. 867-867

Author(s):

Betz King ◽

Adam Duberstein ◽

McGlinn Maureen

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Older Adults ◽

Life Satisfaction ◽

Physical Health ◽

Satisfaction With Life ◽

Health Benefits ◽

Well Being ◽

Total Respondent ◽

Dog Parks ◽

The Impact

Abstract Dog park members initially join and attend dog parks for the wellbeing of their dogs, but often experience their own biopsychosocial benefits. This mixed methodology (Quantitative n=44, Qualitative n=11) ) pilot study utilized qualitative heuristic interviewing (Moustakas, C., 1990) and the Satisfaction with Life Survey (Pavot, W., & Diener, E. 2013). Data gathered from interviews and surveys administered to participants of a members-only dog-park indicate a high satisfaction with life. Members 60 years and older reported feelings of life satisfaction almost 7 points over the total respondent average, placing them in the “highly satisfied” range. All members experience the dog-park as a supportive social environment that benefits their physical health, mental health and the well-being of their canine companions. Five qualitative themes were identified: Canine Well-being, Community, Mental Health Benefits, Physical Health Benefits and Fights, Falls & Frustrations. These findings demonstrate the need for more research into the impact and importance of pet ownership, community dog parks and outdoor green spaces on older adults and life satisfaction.

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Impact of COVID-19 pandemic on mental health, social connectedness and cognitive performance of older adults

Innovation in Aging ◽

10.1093/geroni/igab046.3492 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽

pp. 979-979

Author(s):

Juliana Souza-Talarico ◽

Fernanda Silva ◽

Maria Clara Jesus ◽

Breno J A P Barbosa ◽

Ricardo Nitrini ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Older Adults ◽

Cognitive Performance ◽

Social Connectedness ◽

Geriatric Depression Scale ◽

Depression Scale ◽

Well Being ◽

Daily Routine ◽

Main Routine ◽

The Impact

Abstract The COVID-19 pandemic has profoundly impacted older adult's health and well-being worldwide. We explored the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on daily activities and mental health and its relationship with cognitive performance in older adults. Methods One-hundred individuals 60 years and older, without cognitive impairment and enrolled in the Brazilian Memory Study (BRAMS), a longitudinal study, were applied the UCLA Loneliness Scale, Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS), and Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE). Participants were asked whether they had changes in daily routine and social connectedness during the pandemic. Results Almost half of the participants (48.4%) reported that the COVID-19 pandemic significantly affected their lives, 38.9% lost a relative or friend because of COVID-19, and 60% had daily routine changes. Relationships (40.5%) and emotion (22%) were reported as the most impacted area. Stopping physical activities and stay at home represented the main routine changed for 78% of participants. The use of voice messages through mobile phones to maintain social connectedness increased from 24.2% to 42.1%. For 38% of participants, their autonomy to daily decisions decreased, and 40% complained that memory got worse during the pandemic. More than 30% felt more stress, loneliness, or depression than in the pre-pandemic period. Controlling for age, sex, and education, higher loneliness scores were significantly associated with low MMES scores (p = 0.018). Conclusion Significant changes in life, daily routine, social connectedness, and mental health-related to the COVID-19 pandemic were reported by older adult participants. Loneliness was associated with lower cognitive performance.

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