THE HARTFORD INSTITUTE FOR GERIATRIC NURSING |
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Dear Friends,
As COVID-19 continues, and we move into an uncertain fall and winter, many of us are experiencing stress and anxiety. Recent studies found an increase in anxiety and depressive symptoms have occurred during COVID-19. This has frequently resulted in an increase in substance use to cope with the stress brought on by the pandemic. Older adults have specific challenges, being most vulnerable to the disease and most at risk of experiencing social isolation.
Our guest contributor this month, Michelle Knapp, DSN, MSN, Clinical Assistant Professor, NYU Rory Meyers College of Nursing, discusses the impact pandemics have on mental health and why older adults are particularly susceptible to the adverse effects of social distancing. With no clear end of COVID-19 in sight, we need to develop solutions to address social isolation and build resistance.
Warmly,
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Tara A. Cortes, PhD, RN, FAAN |
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COVID-19, Mental Health and Older Adults
Michelle Knapp, DSN, MSN
Clinical Assistant Professor
NYU Rory Meyers College of Nursing
The impact of pandemics on mental health has been demonstrated during the Spanish influenza outbreak of 1918-1919 and the SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome) outbreak. During both of these pandemics, there were reports of increased anxiety, depression, suicide, and other mental health problems. During COVID-19, we are experiencing similar mental health problems with symptoms of anxiety, depression, and substance use in adults increasing significantly from pre-pandemic levels. Social isolation appears to be a significant contributing factor. For example, The Kaiser Family Foundation reports that those who sheltered in place during COVID-19 experienced greater concern and worry over the illness than those who did not socially isolate. Older adults may be particularly susceptible to the effects of social distancing and isolation.
While it is a common misperception that older adults fear death, a pandemic may incite fear of dying and precipitate or exacerbate mental health problems, including cognitive impairments. SARS-Co-V-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, might infect the brain or trigger immune responses, negatively impacting brain function and mental health. Although public health mitigation strategies, such as New York State Governor Andrew Cuomo’s Matilda’s Law - which directs individuals over 70 to stay home and limit visitation - were designed to protect the older adult, they may have a cascading effect on the deterioration of mental health. For example, older adults that have lost friends or family members to COVID-19 may have limited support available during bereavement due to social distancing.
COVID-19 has forced a rethinking of healthcare delivery. While ad hoc measures - such as telemedicine platforms - may have alleviated some challenges to meeting a visit requirement, these types of solutions are not always optimal for older adults who benefit greatly from hearty social interaction. Older adults may have greater resilience in a crisis than younger adults, simply due to their lived experience. The pandemic has highlighted the need for a better understanding of factors that shape mental health in the aging adult, so we may harness the strength of this population rather than incite despair.
CDC (2020a). National Center for Health Statistics. Indicators of anxiety or depression based on reported frequency of symptoms during the last 7 days. Household Pulse Survey. Atlanta, GA: US Department of Health and Human Services. https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/covid19/pulse/mental-health.htm
Cheung, Y.T., Chau, P.H. and Yip, P.S.F. (2008). A revisit on older adults suicides and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) epidemic in Hong Kong. International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, 23, 1231–1238. doi:10.1002/ gps.2056 Douglas, P.K., D
Holmes, E.A., O'Connor, R.C., Perry, V.H., Tracey, I., Wesseley, S., Arseneault, L. (2020, June 1). Multidisciplinary research priorities for the COVID-pandemic: a call for action for mental health science. The Lancet Psychiatry, 7(6), 547-560. doi:10.1016/S2215-0366(20)30168-1
Jemberie, W.B., Stewart Williams, J., Eriksson, M., Grönlund, A-S, Ng, N., Blom Nilsson, M., Padyab, M., Priest, K.C., Sandlund, M., Snellman, F., McCarty, D., & Lundgren, L.M. (2020). Substance use disorders and COVID-19: Multi-faceted problems which require multi-pronged solutions. Frontiers in Psychiatry. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyt.2020.00714
Panchal, N., Kamal, R., Orgera, K., Cox, C., Garfield, R., Hamel, L., Muñana, C., & Chidambaram, P. (2020, August 21). The implications of COVID-19 for mental health and substance use. Coronavirus COVID-19. Kaiser Family Foundation. https://www.kff.org/coronavirus-covid-19/issue-brief/the-implications-of-covid-19-for-mental-health-and-substance-use/
Yeung, D.Y.L. and Fung, H.H. (2007). Age differences in coping and emotional responses towards SARS: a longitudinal study of Hong Kong Chinese. Aging and Mental Health, 11(5), 579–587. doi:10.1080/ 13607860601086355
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HIGN Webinar: COVID-19 and the Care of Older Adults
Dr. Tara Cortes, Executive Director of the Hartford Institute, and Dr. Donna McCabe, Clinical Associate Professor at NYU Rory Meyers College of Nursing, hosted a webinar COVID-19 and the Care of Older Adults. This free webinar includes guidance on preventive measures, best practices for infection control in nursing homes, and tips for keeping older adults socially connected. Click here to watch.
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HIGN's Customized Learning Packages |
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HIGN is globally recognized for our geriatric eLearning for healthcare professionals. Our products can also be used to prepare future healthcare professionals, including students of nursing, medicine, and social work.
We offer a range of topics that can supplement educational programs or course curricula. We also work with faculty to identify materials that can supplement their instruction. These customized educational packages are available at a discounted price.
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HIGN eLearning
30% Discount on all Materials
Older adults have been hit the hardest by COVID-19. Now, more than ever, ensuring they receive the best possible care is paramount. In light of that, we are offering a 30% discount on our materials through December 31st to help make sure we can get the best knowledge into the right hands, right now.
Click here to visit the HIGN 2020 eLearning Catalog.
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