Physical and psychosocial wellbeing of elderly during COVID-19

Abstract

: Covid-19, the global pandemic has come and without differentiating, it altered the lifestyle of people everywhere and changed older people daily routines, the care and support they received, their ability to stay socially connected and how they were perceived. The present study aimed to find the physical and psychosocial wellbeing of elderly during covid 19 pandemic.: A quantitative approach with descriptive design was used. 100 elderly (aged between 60 -80) who were not diagnosed with Covid 19 were selected using a convenience sampling technique. Data was collected using semi structured questionnaire to find the physical and psychosocial wellbeing of elderly during COVID 19, using self-report technique. The physical health of only 44% of subjects was satisfactory during pandemic. Eighty percent reported changes in their weight. Majority had slept less than 7 hours and duration of day time naps increased among 13% of elderly. Thirty percent missed their regular exercise during pandemic. Majority followed COVID- 19 guidelines. Thirty percent missed their medical tests and 37% missed their medical check-ups. Eighty-six percent of elderly did not avail the telemedicine facility. Sixty-five percent were satisfied with their life during the pandemic. Forty percent found difficulties in maintaining close relationships during pandemic. More than half of elderly experienced anxiety and fear of death. Seventy-two percent were mentally exhausted. Fifty-four percent were worried when family, friends and neighbours tested positive for COVID 19. Forty-six percent felt hopeless and lonely during the pandemic. Fifty three percent were not able to attend religious services and 32% were not at all satisfied in performing religious practices through an online platform. Forty six percent of elderly used social media during COVID-19 pandemic.: The physical and psychosocial wellbeing of the elderly were affected during the pandemic. The physical health of most of the elderly were satisfactory but while considering their diet, exercise and sleep during the pandemic, most of them faced problems. The psychological wellbeing of elderly was also affected adversely. Majority of the elderly experienced anxiety, fear of death and hopelessness during the pandemic. Public health services should be equipped to handle social disengagement and loneliness through various means of connecting older adults with others, such as through telephone or video conversations or online social media platforms. Society need to be prepared with hybrid care platforms such as tele health and in-person treatment.