Academic CentreInfluence of Covid-19 Epidemic on Health of the Elderly in Latvia
Ieva Reine, Madara Miķelsone, Ilze Koroļeva, Sigita Sniķere
In Latvia, as in many other countries, during the first wave of Covid-19, the elderly had limited access to healthcare services, putting the older populations at an increased risk of morbidity and mortality. The aim of this study was to analyze the health and psychological wellbeing of the elderly during the first wave of Covid-19 epidemic to understand what public health measures are needed to improve survival, to provide more healthy years of life, and to reduce the public burden of providing care to the elderly. This article is based on an interdisciplinary study which resulted in a reliable and widely applicable database on lifestyle and health indicators for the elderly residents of Latvia.
The analyses include the assessment of the impact of Covid-19 on health, health care consumption, social contact and social support. The study is on a population above the age of 50 and uses data from the longitudinal international comparative “Survey on health, ageing and retirement in Europe” (SHARE).
The results of the study demonstrated that older people are at increased risk of additional disease exacerbation, related to both aggravated psycho-emotional status and ageing. The deterioration of the state of health during the first wave of Covid-19 is more attributable to health determinants and demographic indicators, the impact of which may be significantly reinforced by the unavailability of health care services for every fourth resident of Latvia over the age of 50. In addition, the lack of timely care may seriously threaten the safety of the elderly, not only at home, but also after discharge from hospital.
In the 50+ group, nearly a fifth of respondents have experienced the effects of the Covid-19 crisis on mental health. The results of SHARE demonstrate that reducing social contacts and limiting the availability of social support during the crisis can lead to increased social isolation, increased risks of psycho-emotional disorders and the development of mental diseases. According to previous studies, deteriorating mental health also contributes to an increase in an exaggerated demand for health services. It is still unknown how long the epidemiological constraints of Covid-19 and the social isolation they create, will last so its impact on the physical and psychological health of older individuals is not predictable. For these reasons, it is particularly important during the Covid-19 pandemic to continue to provide social support, and assistance through volunteers to reduce loneliness, isolation and associated mental health deterioration, and to implement strategies at national level to reduce anxiety among seniors.
Initiatives should also be taken to improve the ability of older people to cope with social isolation, by strengthening social contacts through internet applications, video chatting, telephone support lines and support groups, lifestyle changes (regular sleep and waking cycles), physical activity, better nutritional habits and cognitive stimulation (use of mobile apps to stimulate mental exercise). These activities are particularly important for those who have had cognitive impairment in the past.
By the end of the pandemic, ageing will have accelerated for many individuals, regardless of Covid-19 infection. Regular assessment and monitoring of the ageing processes of older people, including their mental health will provide an opportunity to better understand the functional capabilities and vulnerability of each individual, particularly during the pandemic. The number of people with increasing health and social care needs should also be considered. This may pose not only economic but also human resource challenges in the near future.