Consideration of the Psychological and Mental Health of the Elderly during COVID-19: A Theoretical Review

Kunho Lee, Goo-Churl Jeong and JongEun Yim
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Kunho Lee: Department of Counselling Psychology, Sahmyook University, Seoul 01795, Korea
Goo-Churl Jeong: Department of Counselling Psychology, Sahmyook University, Seoul 01795, Korea
JongEun Yim: Department of Physical Therapy, Sahmyook University, Seoul 01795, Korea

IJERPH, 2020, vol. 17, issue 21, 1-11

Abstract: COVID-19 has spread worldwide causing an unprecedented public health crisis. After the World Health Organization declared a pandemic in March 2020, the number of confirmed cases and deaths has continued to increase. This situation may be prolonged until an effective, tested, and safe treatment is available. COVID-19 can occur at any age. However, the maximum confirmed cases and deaths have occurred among the elderly. Particularly, the mental and physical health of the elderly aged above 60 and classified as high-risk groups is more vulnerable than other age groups, requiring more attention. Strong social restraint, social distancing, and quarantine measures to prevent the COVID-19 spread have raised concerns about their mental health. Therefore, it is crucial to analyze and identify the psychological concepts and protective factors that support and constitute these guidelines and strategies and prepare practical suggestions and guidelines to protect the mental health of the elderly during COVID-19. These discussions will facilitate a deeper understanding and expansion of these guidelines and strategies. Therefore, this study explores factors—including pandemic-induced stress, self-integration, self-efficacy, and resilience—in order to prepare practical and detailed suggestions and guidelines using studies that considered these factors, including coping with COVID-19-induced stress, social support, and physical activity.

Keywords: COVID-19; elderly; pandemic; protective factors; mental health (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2020
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (16)

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