Aging population and mental health vulnerability during COVID-19 in South America

Abstract

The new coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has caused a significant impact on mental health worldwide. In South America, COVID-19 has imposed an alarming effect, being the stage of political scandals and the dangerous covid-kit panacea therapy. The objective of the present opinion paper is to give an overview of the impact of COVID-19 on some South American countries, identifying the vulnerabilities and possible areas of improvement to attend fragile senior citizens. We have examined the potential risk factors for this aging group and current programs to prevent mental health related-problems (social, financial, familiar) that were developed during the pandemic. Moreover, we were able to investigate the possible ways to contribute with local and as well regional interventions, that could positively influence the families of the elderly affected by COVID-19.