Abstract
The Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic drastically changed social interactions between people; this had a significant impact on individuals aged 65 and older. This demographic faced challenges such as total isolation, interrupted social connectedness, limited access to their basic needs, and financial stressors due to the shutdown. This review of the literature looks at how the decrease in face-to-face interactions during COVID-19affected the mental and emotional well-being of older adults during the pandemic. Methods of research conducted through scholarly journals showed the effects of isolation on mental and emotional health. Despite the wide range of availability of digital communication, the 65 years of age and older population found it difficult to maintain connections that way. The research suggests that although technology could be used to provide some emotional support through the COVID-19 pandemic, it could not fully be used in place of face-to-face communication. In conclusion, it was found that reduced face-to-face interactions during the COVID-19 pandemic increased stress, anxiety, and depression in adults 65 years of age and older.
College
College of Nursing & Health Sciences
Department
Health, Exercise & Rehabilitative Sciences
Campus
Winona
First Advisor/Mentor
Andrea Rossin
Start Date
4-18-2024 9:00 AM
End Date
4-18-2024 10:00 AM
Presentation Type
Poster Session
Format of Presentation or Performance
In-Person
Session
1a=9am-10am
Poster Number
37
Included in
Impact of Decreased Face-to-face Communication of Older Adults During the COVID-19 Pandemic
The Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic drastically changed social interactions between people; this had a significant impact on individuals aged 65 and older. This demographic faced challenges such as total isolation, interrupted social connectedness, limited access to their basic needs, and financial stressors due to the shutdown. This review of the literature looks at how the decrease in face-to-face interactions during COVID-19affected the mental and emotional well-being of older adults during the pandemic. Methods of research conducted through scholarly journals showed the effects of isolation on mental and emotional health. Despite the wide range of availability of digital communication, the 65 years of age and older population found it difficult to maintain connections that way. The research suggests that although technology could be used to provide some emotional support through the COVID-19 pandemic, it could not fully be used in place of face-to-face communication. In conclusion, it was found that reduced face-to-face interactions during the COVID-19 pandemic increased stress, anxiety, and depression in adults 65 years of age and older.
