Mental health impacts of social isolation in older people during COVID pandemic

Abstract

Even before the COVID-19 pandemic, social isolation and loneliness were so prevalent in Europe, the USA and China, that commentators have termed the growing problem a ‘behavioural epidemic’. Here, Dr Tappenden and Dr Tomar review the literature on the mental health consequences of social isolation during epidemics, including COVID-19, focussing particularly on the mental health of older people and how this group can stay well while socially distancing.