Impact of quarantine due to COVID-19 pandemic on health and lifestyle conditions in older adults from Centro American countries

Abstract

Background The impact of quarantine in older adults have been reported in several studies with contradictory results, reporting from negative effects to no significant outcomes or even beneficial consequences. Heterogeneity in aging plays a role in each region, the aim of this study is to analyze the impact of quarantine on health conditions (physical and mental) and lifestyle in older adults in five Centro American countries during COVID-19 pandemic. Method In this cross-sectional study, n = 712 older adults 60 years and older from Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras and Costa Rica were assessed by telephone. Sociodemographic data, physical and mental health, lifestyle and quarantine conditions were asked previous informed consent. Results In general, mean of days in quarantine at the moment of the study was 142 days (approximately four months and three weeks). In the analysis of the impact of the days in quarantine effects were found on the frequency of falls, functional ability in Activities of Daily Living (ADL), general cognitive function, memory, orientation, language, frequency of drinking alcohol, having a balanced diet, and being active cognitively. Some differences were found between countries. Conclusions Effects of quarantine on older adults in Centro America, requires attention of governments and healthcare to prevent long term morbidity and disability, and to promote healthy aging.

“Pandemic Fatigue! It’s Been Going On since March 2020”: A Photovoice Study of the Experiences of BIPOC Older Adults and Frontline Healthcare Workers during the Pandemic

“…Quarantine increased isolation among the older participants, consistent with previous research [ 58 ]. It is well known that social disconnectedness can exacerbate perceived isolation and lead to an increased risk of depression and anxiety among older adults, while social participation is a key component for health and quality of life in aging adults [ 59 , 60 ].…”

Frailty, psychological well‐being, and social isolation in older adults with cognitive impairment during the SARS‐CoV‐2 pandemic: data from the GeroCovid initiative

“…The COVID-19 pandemic has required important clinical, social and economic interventions in order to limit escalation of the disease and safeguard individuals' health. Considering the well-known impact of lockdown and forced isolation on physical and psychological well-being, particularly in older adults, [1][2][3][4] many studies conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic focused on describing the prevalence during this period of frailty, underlying increased vulnerability and compromised ability to cope with everyday or acute stressors. [5][6][7][8] Pandemic and containment measures exacerbated self-reported loneliness in a large part of the adult population, 9 increasing the risk of 'social frailty', known as the loss of social resources, social activities, or abilities and general resources that are important for fulfilling basic social needs during one's lifetime.…”

When COVID-19 strikes mental health: a measurement analysis of reassurance seeking behavior scale in Peruvian population

“…Some countries have even implemented a strict nationwide curfew. These measures have a detrimental impact on mental health ( Yao et al, 2020 ; Msherghi et al, 2021 ; López Steinmetz et al, 2022 ), increasing levels of stress, depression symptomatology and anxiety ( Elmer et al, 2020 ; Galea et al, 2020 ; Lima et al, 2020 ; Zhang and Ma, 2020 ; Mendoza-Ruvalcaba et al, 2022 ).…”