COVID-19 is defined as a new type of coronavirus is described as spreading quickly from person to person and causing a significant epidemic. 'CO' refers for corona, 'VI' for virus, and 'D' means for disease. COVID-19 is a condition brought on by a fresh strain of the corona virus. This illness was once known as the "2019 novel coronavirus" or "2019-nCoV," The World Health Organization (WHO) has deemed the COVID-19 epidemic "the highest level of emergency of international concern," which comes as no surprise. (Rajoo et al., 2021)
In January 1999, the Indian government passed a "National Policy on Older People." According to the regulation, an "elderly" or "senior citizen" is someone who is 60 years of age or older. (Situation Analysis of the Elderly in India; 2011) Due to the decline in their psychological, physical, and financial skills, an elderly who loses a companion may endure devastating health and psychosocial effects. Worldwide increases in spousal violence and child abuse have been connected to the outbreak's elevated stress and anxiety levels. Hence, people need to take the required steps to protect their mental health in addition to taking precautions to prevent COVID-19 infections. (Sundara et al., 2021)
The WHO estimates that in the 65 and older age group, there are roughly 65 men for every 100 women in the majority of developed nations. In India, there are 108 men for every 100 women. Pandemic outbreaks can have a negative impact on mental health and cause psychosis, anxiety, trauma, suicidal thoughts, chronic stress, and panic. (World Health Organization 2020). The effects of a pandemic are profound on both an individual and a societal level. It also resulted in a rise in mortality or a decline in life expectancy. The elderly were more vulnerable to all of these weaknesses and 20% of deaths in China's first wave of infection were people over the age of 60. (Banerjee et al., 2019)
Due to the pandemic and increased globalization, psychosocial problems may vary among different age groups, gender, education, and professionals. Researchers found that attitudes regarding health safety and COVID-19 were more positive among younger adults than those aged ≥ 65 years old. (Jony et al., 2021)
The elderly themselves have been significantly impacted by the new realities, particularly the awareness of the elevated risk of serious complications from COVID-19 infection and the underlying worry that potential issues with healthcare capacity will prevent them from receiving the best treatment for their illness. When COVID-19 affects older groups that are more vulnerable to it, such as those who have coexisting disorders, it can lead to worry and discomfort that, in certain instances, may be more severe. If their family does not meet their requirements, older individuals may also feel alone and even feel guilty (Samakis et al., 2020).
The pattern of change is pretty consistent when it comes to the encouragement received and feelings of fulfillment; most people report no changes or even some improvements. In 2011, 8% of the population was over the age of 65, up from 7.4% in 2001. The young generation, whether male or female, is moving away from their family house and toward a new location for job or other activities as a result of changes in societal standards (Sarwar & Tarannum, 2019).
Distancing from society wasn't always possible. Older people frequently live by long-established routines that play a significant role in their daily lives. This schedule's abrupt interruption might be traumatic and affect the body biologically. Daily strolls in the park, meetings with friends, and the need to buy daily necessities might increase exposure to the virus and, consequently, create dread. The overall COVID 19 restriction was upsetting to people of all ages, but especially to the elderly population, when people's ability to cope declines. The elderly with mental illnesses, who are already prone to depression and anxiety, are at much higher risk of relapse due to this emerging scene. (Filgueiras & Stults-Kolehmainen, 2020)
The eldest male member may also share a home with his siblings, their offspring, and grandchildren. Elderly members of such a large family received less attention from family members, but owing to the lockdown, everyone was apprehensive about the situation. Older people also have a feeling of insecurity like the feeling of being unsafe in the neighborhood, non-availability of essential groceries or eatables at home, financial insecurities, few close relationships, and lack of resources to support socializing or attending activities, leading to both boredom and inactivity, etc. (Mehra et al., 2020)
To lessen the psychological effects and traumatic consequences of the COVID-19 outbreak and to support coping mechanisms toward emotional anguish and venting, group sessions have been advocated for all healthcare providers. In this trying time, managing older persons with psychiatric problems is, in our opinion, a significant task. Unfortunately, despite the necessity for well-designed targeted interventions aimed at removing barriers to treatment, this vulnerable population has not received enough attention. (Serafini et al., 2020) The higher vulnerability of old adults to infection increases the risk of "ageism" and the active role that elderly people are having during the outbreak reduces the risk of "ageism". (Petretto & Pilli, 2020)
To lessen loneliness and anxiety, it's vital to spend money, show love, and help those who are elderly. Two-thirds of the world's old population reside in developing nations, according to the United Nations Population Reports. About 7% of India's population is becoming older quicker than the rest of the country (Registrar General of India, 1991).
The elderly are less capable and more vulnerable to infections. Another stressful experience in Islam was acclimating to unfamiliar environments. They require psychological assistance during the outbreak to help them adjust to the new environment. (Parlapani et al.,2021) Elderly people who live alone or who live in a difficult situation could have difficulty having food, drugs, and other supplies. A social formal and informal network is necessary during quarantine to help old adults, both in little cities and in bigger cities. In this field, the role of municipalities and social workers is central. (Adeleke et al., 2017)
Home confinement during COVID-19 may be seen as a chance for the self-absorbed, busier-than-ever human race of today to strengthen family ties by implementing effective parenting techniques and to encourage healthier parent-child relationships. (Seethaler et al., 2021) Another crucial factor is the stigmatization and social rejection of the cordoned-off area, which can take the form of neighborhood prejudice, discrimination, and avoidance, property insecurity, workplace prejudice, and withdrawal from social gatherings even after epidemics have been contained. In order to address their dread, stress, and other psychological effects, seniors who require isolation or quarantine owing to COVID-19 infection (or suspicion of infection) may require specialized care. (Grolli et al., 2021)
Psychosocial issues are highly debilitating mental illness, that has an impact on patient family and children, there are not many studies that examined the effect of COVID-19 on the elderly population. Hence it is important to study the psychosocial impact of COVID-19 on the elderly.