Association between social isolation and reduced mental well-being in Swedish older adults during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic: the role of cardiometabolic diseases

Abstract

Social isolation has been recommended as a strategy for reducing COVID-19 risk, but it may have unintended consequences for mental well-being. We explored the relationship between social isolation and symptoms of depression and anxiety in older adults during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic and assessed the role of cardiometabolic diseases (CMDs) in this association. Between May and September 2020, 1,190 older adults from the Swedish National Study on Aging and Care in Kungsholmen were surveyed about their behaviors and health consequences during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. In total, 913 (76.7%) participants reported socially isolating at home to avoid infection during this period. Social isolation was associated with a greater likelihood of reduced mental well-being (i.e., feelings of depression or anxiety) (OR: 1.74, 95% CI: 1.15-2.65). In joint exposure analysis, there was a significant likelihood of reduced mental well-being only among people who were socially isolating and had CMDs (OR: 2.13, 95% CI: 1.22-3.71) (reference: not isolating, CMD-free). In conclusion, social isolation as a COVID-19 prevention strategy was related to reduced mental well-being in an urban sample of Swedish older adults, especially among individuals with CMDs.

Factors affecting self-perceived mental health in the general older population during the Covid19 pandemic: a cross-sectional study

“…Another review (10) shows that this population is more likely to suffer mental health issues associated with Covid-19, and that the older population experienced e.g., stress, depression, anxiety, and loneliness during the pandemic. Comparable results were found in a Swedish study (11) among seniors in an urban setting. However, in a Swedish longitudinal study from 2021, where very early effects of the pandemic on 65-71-year-olds were investigated, results show an equal well-being in the population, or even higher, as before the pandemic (12).…”

“…Anxiety is common in the older population (16,17), and during the Covid − 19 pandemic an increase was likely to occur as this age group was especially vulnerable to the virus, more socially isolated, and the special situation of a pandemic is associated with uncertainty regarding both the present and the future. Studies performed during the Covid − 19 pandemic con rmed increased anxiety among the older adults (10,11,18). Our result re ects what other research have found and suggests that anxiety is of major concern when evaluating and predicting mental health in the older population during pandemic-like conditions.…”

Differential COVID-19 infection rates in children, adults, and elderly: Systematic review and meta-analysis of 38 pre-vaccination national seroprevalence studies

“…Even if precision shielding of the elderly can be achieved (as our data suggest), it is unknown whether it can be maintained effectively for pandemic-long circles lasting two or more years. Moreover, adverse consequences of trying to diminish exposures of vulnerable elderly may be substantial for their social well-being and their mental health [ 68 , 69 ]. Adverse consequences are likely for all age groups, including for children after school closures [ 70 ].…”

Differential COVID-19 infection rates in children, adults, and elderly: evidence from 38 pre-vaccination national seroprevalence studies

“…29 Even if precision shielding of the elderly can be achieved (as our data suggest), it is unknown whether it can be maintained effectively for pandemic-long circles lasting 2 or more years. Moreover, adverse consequences of trying to diminish exposures of vulnerable elderly may be substantial for their social well-being and their mental health 30,31 . Adverse consequences are likely for all age groups, including for children after school closures 32 .…”