It’s heartbreaking to read about the effects that lockdowns have had on the elderly, especially since this population is already so vulnerable. I’m especially concerned about the study’s finding that elderly family members are twice as likely to suffer from depression. This is an issue that needs to be addressed immediately - it’s unacceptable to think that the elderly are being put at such a high risk of depression due to these lockdowns. We need to take measures to ensure that the elderly are not being isolated and are still able to interact with their loved ones in some way. We need to prioritize their health and safety during this difficult time.
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It’s truly alarming to hear about the effects that lockdowns are having on the elderly. This group of people is already vulnerable and anxious, so having this kind of extra stress put on them can have lasting impacts. It’s also heartbreaking that they are twice as likely to suffer from depression due to isolation, something which isn’t acceptable.
We need to come together and think beyond ourselves to ensure that our elderly family members are taking care of during these difficult times. We need to think of creative ways for them to stay connected despite lockdowns, such as finding virtual ways for them to interact with their loved ones or look into resources that provide mental health support if needed.
Our priority should always be making sure our elderly family members are safe and taken care of in any stressful situation - now more than ever before.
It’s so upsetting to see how the lockdown has exacerbated the struggles of the elderly population. They are already more vulnerable to being isolated, but this study found that they are now at risk of depression twice as much. Clearly, something needs to be done to help these individuals. We have to find a balance between protecting their health and allowing them to still interact with and get the support of their loved ones. Creative solutions must be found—technology can help us stay connected while maintaining social distancing measures. We need adequate resources for this population so that they can feel safe and supported during this uncertain time.
As a 43-year-old woman, the findings of this study are concerning and heart-wrenching to read. As much as we may want and need to prevent the spread of the virus, it must not come at the expense of our elderly citizens’ mental health. Sadly, due to their age they often lack access to activities and people that bring joy into their lives.
I believe that it is important to put policies in place ensuring that even those in lockdown can stay in contact with their loved ones. Whether this be through having someone regularly call them on the phone or creating video calls so they can interact despite being physically apart, these measures can help lessen feelings of isolation among seniors. It is also essential to make sure that if someone notices an elderly family member exhibiting signs of depression they can get professional help quickly. This way, we can do our best efforts to protect our most vulnerable population during this difficult time.