The consequences of the Coronavirus 2019 pandemic on the mental health of the elderly: systematic review

The COVID-19 pandemic caused fear, stress, and general anxiety in many old people, resulting in reduced mental health. In this regard, the present review study was conducted to investigate the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic on the mental health of the elderly.

This review study was conducted by searching specialized keywords in English databases including Google Scholar, PubMed, ISI, Scopus, Science Direct and Jahad Daneshgahi Scientific Database (SID), the Iranian Journal Database (Magiran), and the database of Iranian medical science articles in a period from February 2020  to July 2021.Selection methods for study: In total, 607 articles were retrieved in electronic search. Abstracts of published articles were reviewed and duplicates were removed from the study in several stages, and finally 30 articles were selected for comprehensive review and data extraction.Combine

The results showed that the coronavirus 2019 pandemic has caused depression, anxiety, feeling loneliness, death anxiety, and negative behaviors in the elderly. In addition, COVID-19 has significantly reduced the quality of life and physical activity of the elderly. All of these, have affected the mental health of the elderly.

According to the reviewed articles, COVID-19 can affect various aspects of the mental health of the elderly. Also, due to the fact that the elderly population is one of the vulnerable groups against coronavirus, it is necessary to prioritize the vaccination and appropriate psychological interventions for the elderly.