Physical and mental health of older people while cocooning during the COVID-19 pandemic.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Cocooning or shielding, i.e. staying at home and reducing face-to-face interaction with other people, was an important part of the response to the COVID-19 pandemic for older people. However, concerns exist regarding the long-term adverse effects cocooning may have on their physical and mental health.

Aim

To examine health trajectories and healthcare utilization while cocooning in a cohort of community-dwelling people aged ≥70 years.

Design

Survey of 150 patients (55% female, mean age 80 years and mean Clinical Frailty Scale Score 4.8) attending ambulatory medical services in a large urban university hospital.

Methods

The survey covered four broad themes: access to healthcare services, mental health, physical health and attitudes to COVID-19 restrict

SUBMITTER: Bailey L 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7928635 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature